Articles

As carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions continue to drive climate change, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) emerges as a transformative technology aimed at managing the carbon cycle sustainably. CCUS encompasses a range of advanced methods to capture CO₂ from both concentrated industrial sources and the ambient atmosphere, convert it into valuable products, and store it securely to prevent its release. This review explores four primary capture pathways: pre combustion systems that separate CO₂ before fuel combustion, post combustion capture from flue gases, oxy fuel combustion in oxygen rich environments, and Direct Air Capture (DAC) that extracts CO₂ directly from the atmosphere. Beyond storage, the utilization aspect of CCUS is equally vital. Captured CO₂ can be converted into construction materials, synthetic fuels and chemical feedstocks, supporting a circular carbon economy. CCUS is particularly crucial for decarbonizing hard to abate sectors such as cement and steel manufacturing, where conventional renewables fall short. However, widespread implementation faces challenges, including high costs (30 to 100 USD per ton of CO₂), the need for global CO₂ transport infrastructure, and complex regulatory frameworks. Addressing these barriers requires collaborative efforts among industries, governments and communities. Ultimately, CCUS offers more than a mitigation tool. It provides a strategic pathway to net negative emissions, turning industrial byproducts into valuable resources. As we advance toward climate resilience, the question is no longer whether we can capture carbon, but whether we can harness its potential for a sustainable future.