Industries are increasingly concerned about strict carbon regulations and the availability of effective CCUS technologies. While the expansion of carbon capture solutions is advancing quickly, a significant shortfall in storage capacity remains. In the coming years, many companies will face considerable challenges. Key factors will include improving carbon efficiency in production, lowering operational costs, complying with carbon pricing frameworks, aligning with investor taxonomy, meeting ESG targets, reducing reliance on carbon-intensive processes, and positioning themselves as competitive and attractive production locations for investors.
How the Industry is Implementing CCUS
Adopting basic carbon capture technologies alone will not be sufficient soon. Effective carbon management in industry involves more than capturing carbon dioxide; it also includes the utilisation of captured carbon, optimisation of waste carbon streams, and the integration of storage solutions. These elements are set to form part of a broader carbon management network that supports both municipal and regional carbon reduction strategies. At the same time, the role of carbon data collection and visualisation is becoming increasingly important. Many hidden carbon sources, such as inefficient processes and outdated equipment, often go undetected. Modern CCUS technologies can help reduce carbon footprints in targeted areas, and the growing demand for carbon management systems is driving the development of new business models, including carbon trading and utilisation. Transparency in data is essential to support these developments. Industrial facilities will play a central role in future carbon management networks, with the integration of mobile carbon storage units becoming a key component. The industry’s progress in connecting operational systems over recent years now forms the foundation for effective and scalable carbon management.
There is growing integration between carbon management systems and industrial operations, each with specific communication protocols and technical requirements. The digitisation of carbon management presents a challenge for companies worldwide, requiring alignment across diverse systems and processes. Both emerging and established technologies continue to play vital roles in this transition. Direct carbon storage solutions are now being introduced into production environments, offering the potential for substantial emissions reductions. At the same time, companies are becoming prosumers, meaning they are both producers and consumers of carbon capture and utilisation technologies, taking a more active role in managing their carbon impact.
Industrial facilities today often depend on external carbon management systems, which are then integrated internally to support effective carbon utilisation and storage. Many sites have sufficient space to accommodate on-site carbon capture installations, allowing them to connect these systems in ways that minimise losses and meet part of their carbon requirements through self-generated solutions. This approach reduces compliance challenges, increases operational flexibility, and supports greater self-sufficiency in carbon management. Alongside direct capture, the use of waste materials such as industrial by-products also contributes significantly to the overall carbon management system.
