Advances the Circular Carbon Economy – Captured carbon can be used to make fuels, plastics, and even concrete.

Challenges & Controversies

While promising, carbon capture has its critics.

High Costs – CCUS technology is expensive, with costs ranging from $50 to $150 per ton of CO₂ removed.
Energy Intensive – Some methods require a lot of power, which can lead to more emissions if not sourced sustainably.
Risk of Prolonging Fossil Fuel Use – Some argue it gives oil and gas companies an excuse to delay switching to clean energy.

The Future of Carbon Capture

Governments and private companies are investing billions into carbon capture projects worldwide. Some notable initiatives include:

Conclusion: Is Carbon Capture the Answer?

Climeworks (Switzerland): A leading direct air capture company removing CO₂ from the air and storing it underground.

Orca Plant (Iceland): The world’s largest DAC facility, capable of capturing 4,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually.

Carbon Storage Hubs (U.S. & Canada): Large-scale projects aiming to store millions of tons of CO₂ underground.

With advancements in technology and decreasing costs, carbon capture may become a key tool in fighting climate change. However, it should be seen as part of a broader strategy that includes renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable practices.

Carbon capture is not a silver bullet, but it’s a crucial piece of the climate puzzle. While transitioning to clean energy should remain the priority, capturing and storing carbon could buy us valuable time in the fight against global warming.

As innovation continues, the big question remains: Will we scale carbon capture fast enough to make a real impact?