Carbon capture technology represents one of the most ambitious responses to climate change, encompassing a range of methods designed to trap carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions before they enter the atmosphere or remove CO₂ that’s already there. These technologies span from industrial-scale systems that capture emissions directly from power plants and factories, to direct air capture (DAC) facilities that pull CO₂ from ambient air, to nature-based solutions like enhanced forest management and soil carbon sequestration. As the technology matures, carbon capture is transitioning from experimental pilot projects to commercial-scale operations, with captured CO₂ being either permanently stored underground in geological formations or converted into useful products like building materials, fuels, and chemicals.

The importance of carbon capture has become increasingly clear as climate scientists emphasize that achieving net-zero emissions will require more than just transitioning to renewable energy. Many industrial processes—such as cement and steel production—are inherently difficult to decarbonize through electrification alone, making carbon capture essential for these hard-to-abate sectors. Additionally, most climate models indicate that limiting global warming to 1.5 or even 2 degrees Celsius will require not just reducing emissions but actively removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. With global investments in carbon capture projects accelerating and governments offering substantial incentives through tax credits and direct funding, the sector is poised for significant growth, creating opportunities for innovation, economic development, and meaningful climate impact.

The articles in this edition of Critical Insights illustrate both the promise and challenges facing the carbon capture sector. We examine Google’s groundbreaking commitment to power its data centers with gas-fired generation equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS), new carbon capture projects coming online in Iceland and Saudi Arabia, and innovative partnerships like the Bloom Energy-Chart Industries collaboration. However, the landscape isn’t without trouble. The Department of Energy’s decision to cancel $661.8 million in carbon capture projects has sent shockwaves through the industry. We'll explore what these policy shifts mean for the future of carbon capture in power generation and where the technology is headed amid economic and political headwinds.

Successful decarbonization is about integrating the right technologies at the right time. Visit our decarb journey page and discover how we add value and unlock greater potential by enabling synergies across the value chain. We offer expertise in H₂ production & compression, CCUS, future-fuel engines & power plants, Power-to-X, heat pumps, and energy storage.

Gain new insights and connect with leading voices in sustainable energy at our ExpertTalk exploring decarb synergies on November 11, 2025.