Without a large-scale carbon capture strategy, Europe is set to fail in its goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The call to accelerate efforts is now a priority. While transitioning to renewable power as the main energy resource remains important, this alone would not suffice in decarbonizing heavier industry belchers like aviation and chemical manufacturing.
Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) may be the key to managing carbon emissions and achieving a net-zero carbon future in 2050.
Why CCUS Is Nonnegotiable in Reaching Net-Zero
Europe had bold goals when it committed itself to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, hoping to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030. With only five years until the 2030 benchmark, Europe is racing against the clock without much success. The heavy cement, steel and shipping industries remain stubbornly carbon-intensive, and — if they cannot be decarbonized soon enough — the solution is to capture and store carbon emissions.
2023 brought good news with the announcement that the projected capture capacity for 2030 increased by 35% while carbon storage predictions soared to 70 percent. By 2030, around 435 million tonnes of CO2 would be captured annually, and 615 million tonnes would be stored. For context, the global average carbon emission was 419.3 parts per million in 2023. While capturing over 4 million tonnes yearly is a big step, it’s still a small dent in the overall emissions.
Energy efficiency, electrification and renewables remain foundational to decarbonization, but these methods cannot fully address “hard-to-abate” sectors. CCUS offers a dual value proposition instead of an end-all-be-all solution. It prevents emissions from entering the atmosphere, transforms captured CO2 into valuable products — like synthetic fuels, building materials and chemicals — and contributes to a carbon circular economy.
A Multi-Sectoral Opportunity
The EU Roadmap reveals that various industries could benefit from CCUS. The chemical sector could rely on captured CO2 as a sustainable substitute feedstock for methanol, urea and polymers instead of fossil-based inputs like natural gas, coal and oil.
Meanwhile, the aviation and maritime industries can use CO2-derived hydrogen fuels as an alternative to traditional energies since electrification is impractical.
The construction sector, too, is evolving. Innovations in mineral carbonates allow captured CO2 to be embedded in low-carbon concrete and aggregates.
Infrastructure, Policy and Innovation as Ecosystem Drivers
For CCUS to make a difference, it needs a strong support system with the right infrastructure and clear policies. The biggest challenge is how the dots are connected for cross-border CO2 transport networks. This includes pipelines, ships and railways that can move captured carbon to storage or reuse facilities. Renewable hydrogen production must also be scaled up to help synthesize useful CO2-based fuels and chemicals.
On the policy side, there’s some good news. Programs like the EU Innovation Fund and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism are starting to support CCUS. However, there is still a need for stable carbon prices and long-term plans so businesses feel confident investing in these technologies.
Public acceptance also plays a role. A 2024 survey found that people are vastly unfamiliar with CCUS, underscoring the need for education and transparency. Public opinions can make or break the deployment of CCUS technologies. The more people understand it, the more likely they are to support it.
From Carbon Removal to Carbon Circularity
One of the most powerful shifts is seeing CCUS as a key driver in carbon circularity rather than a mere emissions reduction tool. CCUS is transforming CO2 from waste to a valuable resource that can feed industrial ecosystems and close fossil-based loops by replacing them. This is particularly relevant as the EU seeks to reduce its dependency on virgin fossil carbon imports. This shift supports Europe’s larger goals of using materials more efficiently, cutting energy waste and gaining more independence in managing resources.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
These key advancements may sound optimistic, but several challenges persist. High capital costs are one, and complex inter-country permitting processes are another. Moreover, the current market for CCUS products remains unexplored, with significant variability in cost and scalability.
To address these barriers, the EU Roadmap recommends:
- Establishing a comprehensive CCUS regulatory framework at the EU level.
- Launching CO2 product certification schemes to standardize and incentivize utilization pathways.
- Supporting pilot and demonstration projects that showcase commercial viability.
Importantly, it also calls for integrating CCUS into national energy and climate plans to ensure alignment with each member state’s decarbonization pathway.
CCUS and Renewable Energy as a Two-Pronged Approach to Carbon Neutralization
CCUS is not a silver bullet, but it is an impactful element in Europe’s climate toolkit. It complements other strategies by addressing emissions that can’t be avoided, turning CO2 into a resource that powers new value chains. With the right infrastructure, policies and market mechanisms, CCUS can evolve from a niche technology to a mainstream solution for sustainable industrial transformation.
About the author: Jane works as an environmental and energy writer. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co.
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