Why carbon capture and storage won't fix our climate crisis
ProPublica's investigation finds that carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology has repeatedly failed to meet its promises, with many projects underperforming or shutting down entirely. The report argues that CCS is an expensive distraction that allows the fossil fuel industry to delay meaningful emissions reductions, and that the technology cannot scale fast enough to solve the climate crisis.
Background
- Carbon capture and storage (CCS) refers to technology that traps CO₂ emissions from power plants and industrial facilities before they reach the atmosphere, then compresses and injects them deep underground for permanent storage.
- Proponents — including many fossil-fuel companies and some policymakers — present CCS as a way to keep burning coal, oil, and gas while still meeting climate goals.
- This investigation draws on internal industry documents, government records, and interviews to argue that CCS has consistently failed to deliver at scale despite decades of research and billions in subsidies. Key projects have underperformed, shut down, or stored far less CO₂ than promised.
- The core critique: CCS is a costly distraction that diverts resources from proven solutions (renewables, efficiency, electrification) and prolongs dependence on fossil fuels, all while the window to cut emissions narrows.