Joint venture
CCS can make an important contribution to decarbonization because it is crucial for reducing CO2 emissions from industries, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors.
The evidence of climate change is undeniable, and there is a scientific consensus that it is caused by human activity. The main culprits are “greenhouse gases”, which are emitted into the atmosphere in large quantities, mainly from power stations, the industrial sector, transport, domestic heating and agriculture and cause average temperatures to rise. The main negative factor in this scenario is carbon dioxide (CO2), a gas that is natural and harmless in itself, but its atmospheric concentration has risen sharply since the start of the industrial revolution and continues to rise. In 2022, human activity resulted in annual emissions more than 37 billion tonnes of CO2 and even with current environmental policies and expected reforms, projections show a rising trend. Both the Paris climate agreement and the subsequent Glasgow pact in 2021 set out milestones for the gradual reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, with the overall goal of limiting the increase in global average temperature to 1.5°C. This daunting task, known as decarbonization, involves also the energy sector, where the achievement of zero emissions is the cornerstone of the energy transition, a move towards a more sustainable paradigm of energy use and production. A paradigm shift is on the horizon that will require a change in consumption patterns, the development of renewable energy sources and the strengthening of both energy saving and circular economy practices.
Within this framework, additional solutions come into play: they include CCUS, electrification, fuels with a low carbon impact and bio-energies. Finally, technological progress and innovation can provide a decisive and overarching advantage. Realising this vision will require unwavering commitment from governments, society at large and industry.
CCUS is particularly useful to decarbonize hard-to-abate, i.e. industries where, due to their high energy demand and specific operating characteristics, there are currently no viable technological alternatives that can reduce emissions in an efficient and cost-effective way (e.g. iron and steel, cement, paper, chemicals, energy)
CO2 capture, utilisation and storage technologies are essential to reduce industrial emissions. Here are the IEA data.
total emissions reduction from CCUS by 2050
CCUS contribution to total emissions reduction by 2050
CCUS contrib. to industrial emissions reduction by 2050
global CO2 emissions in 2023
The first CCS plants have been in operation since the 1970s, and new projects are expected to start around the world in the coming years.
Terrell, Texas first CCS facility in the world
Sleipner, Norway first CCS project for emission reduction only
CO2 stored in the Sleipner project from 1996 to the present
industrial-scale CCS projects currently in operation
Global CO₂ emissions avoided annually by CCS
new capture and/or storage projects being developed
Given their importance in reducing emissions from hard-to-abate industries, new CO2 capture, utilisation and storage projects are supported by major international organisations and by many countries, particularly in the EU and the USA.
international support
The key role of CCUS in the energy transition has been highlighted by prominent global institutions such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the European Union and the United Nations. All their strategic blueprints for achieving decarbonization milestones highlight the fact that CO2 capture, utilisation and storage technologies as critical to the process of decarbonization of the industrial sector. This, of course, goes hand in hand with improving energy efficiency, increasing the use of renewables and transitioning from fossil fuels to more sustainable alternatives. According to the IEA's “Net Zero Emissions” forecast published in October 2023, the achievement of comprehensive carbon neutrality by 2050 is largely dependent on the crucial role of CCUS, which is expected to offset the emission of 6.04 billion tonnes of CO2 per year by then.
Europe's role
A large number of its member states are proactively promoting the development and deployment of CCS technologies and initiatives as they seek to foster growth that reconciles environmental, economic and social sustainability. The presence of facilities capable of capturing and storing carbon dioxide paves the way for significant decarbonization of industrial districts, providing local companies with a viable decarbonization strategy while safeguarding their competitiveness. With the Industrial Carbon Management Strategy (2024), the European Commission aims to create a European market for industrial CO2 management by identifying targets for capture and storage of 50 Mtpa by 2030 (in line with the Net Zero Industry Act regulation), 280 Mtpa by 2040 and 450 Mtpa by 2050.
Countries such as Norway, the Netherlands, the UK, Denmark and Germany are leading the way in supporting domestic CCS initiatives. In December 2020, Norway gave the green light to funding for its Longship initiative, accounting for around two-thirds of the $2.7 billion earmarked for investment and operational expenditure over 10 years. In the UK, the importance of CCS is underscored in the government's 10-point plan for a “Green Industrial Revolution”, with four major projects receiving significant government support. One of them is Hynet in the North West of England, where Eni is participating as operator in the transport and storage of CO2. The project, already at an advanced stage, involves injecting CO2 captured from onshore industrial operations into Eni's depleted offshore fields in Liverpool Bay. The goal is to reduce CO2 emissions from this key industrial district and enhance its competitiveness in the market. The project will start with a capture capacity of 4.5 Mtpa of CO2, with the possibility of expanding it up to 10 Mtpa by 2030. In addition, the integrated project includes plans for a major hydrogen production facility.
The Netherlands also recognises the potential of carbon capture and storage, and is equally committed to both solar energy and CCS. After conducting a competitive evaluation of various technological solutions, the Dutch government recognised CCUS as the best in terms of cost-benefit efficiency and allocated an impressive €2.1 billion to 4 different capture projects, thereby underscoring the value and competitiveness of CCS in the decarbonization process.
Eni and Snam are developing a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project to reduce emissions from “hard to abate” industrial facilities.
Eni and Snam are developing a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project to reduce emissions from “hard to abate” industrial facilities.
Joint venture
