CCS Progress in 2021

As 2021 comes to a close, the ground gained for CCS and climate action over the last year is notable. January kicked off strong with the United States announcing it would rejoin the Paris Agreement, which foreshadowed supportive policy action that would follow. In Europe, the European Commission called for a 55% emissions reduction target by 2030 and released €1.1 billion in funding from the Innovation Fund to scale-up low carbon technologies. In the APAC region, we saw new countries step into the commercial CCS market for the very first time. On the international front, key policy makers gathered at COP 26 where the Article 6 rulebook was completed, paving a clearer pathway to a net-zero future.

The Institute too underwent several promising changes in 2021. From opening a regional office in Abu Dhabi, to signing on our hundredth member, we continue to keep the momentum going in our efforts to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture and storage. Below are just a few CCS and Institute highlights to mark the end of a promising year

135 CCS Facilities in the Project Pipeline

2021 saw 71 facilities added to the project pipeline. While North America and Europe is leading the pack in terms of deployment, the Gulf Cooperation Council States and the APAC region have gained notable ground, particularly with new players – like Malaysia and Indonesia – entering the CCS market. There are now a total of 135 CCS facilities in various stages of development.

While CCS is not explicitly mentioned in the Glasgow Climate Pact, climate negotiations took an encouraging turn at this year’s COP when parties agreed to advance the deployment of technologies that “accelerate efforts towards the phasedown of unabated coal”. In the coming years, CCS will likely be incorporated in more Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) than we see now, particularly in the NDCs of countries where energy intensive sectors are present.

U.S. Moves Forward with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Setting Stage for CCS Funding

The United States federal government furthered its CCS ambitions in 2021 through funding provisions included in the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act. The act – which totals $1.2 trillion in funding – allocates over $6 billion for a wide range of CCS efforts, including demonstration projects, direct-air capture and large-scale projects. 

The Infrastructure Law comes eleven months after the Biden administration signed an executive order to reinstate the United States in the international Paris Agreement.

The European Commission introduced new climate ambitions in 2021 with targets to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030. The ‘Fit for 55’ climate package will support enhancements to the EU Emissions Trading System, reform transport infrastructure and drive innovative low-carbon projects through funding.

The EU Innovation Fund is one such funding programme, which aims to invest €25 billion towards green projects by 2030. In November 2021, the Commission selected seven projects to be beneficiaries of the first-call for funding, four of which include a CCS component. The approved CCS projects will mitigate emissions in the hydrogen, chemical, bio-energy and cement sectors.

Abu Dhabi Office

Mirroring the rise of CCS interest in the Gulf Cooperation Council States, the Institute announced the opening of a regional office in Abu Dhabi, UAE in April of this year. With our experts on the ground, industry and policy stakeholders in the region will be actively supported through the Institute’s local services.

The Institute saw a successful launch of the Global Status of CCS report this year, with over 5,000 people from around the world seeking to download the 2021 report in just under three months. The report – which provides a global snapshot of CCS progress – unveiled several key findings, highlighting industries that are entering the CCS market and releasing new numbers tied to CCS facilities under various stage of development.

100+ Members in 2021

As of 2021, there are over 100 members working with the Institute to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture and storage. 

With our stakeholders ranging from a wide number of sectors from across the world, we look forward to working alongside our key partners and members to tackle our shared goals in the years to come.

The Institute welcomed a new CEO following the retirement of Brad  Page after ten years at the helm. Jarad Daniels stepped into the CEO role in October following a long-standing career at the U.S.  Department of Energy, most recently as Director of the Office of Strategic Planning, Analysis, and Engagement, where he engaged policy and industry leaders to spearhead CCS deployment.