Carbon Capture Faces Viability Test

Carbon capture and storage remains part of many net-zero pathways, particularly for emissions from cement, steel, chemicals and other difficult-to-decarbonise industries.

However, projects face high costs, weak demand, cancellations, underperformance and unresolved storage risks, while direct air capture and carbon mineralisation require substantial renewable energy. The central debate is whether public support should focus CCS on limited industrial applications alongside faster deployment of renewables, electrification, efficiency and fuel switching.