A new study from the Fraser Institute argues that Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology is not ready to serve as a foundation for climate policy. The report points to historical failures where large-scale CCUS projects missed capture targets and ran over budget. It also notes that most CCUS applications have been used for enhanced oil recovery rather than permanent storage, which undermines the intended climate benefit. The study highlights the massive infrastructure buildout required for meaningful CCUS deployment, including extensive pipeline networks that would face regulatory and political hurdles. The author, Kenneth P. Green, suggests that current technology and track record do not support the ambitious role policymakers in Alberta and Canada have assigned to CCUS in their decarbonization plans. The full report is available from the Fraser Institute.
