Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU)
Capturing CO₂ and using it to create products or services.
What is Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) (Note: not a removal method unless storage is permanent)?
Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) is a process that captures carbon dioxide (CO₂) from industrial point sources (e.g., power plants, cement factories) or directly from the air, and then uses that captured CO₂ as a feedstock to create new products or services. These products can range from fuels and chemicals to building materials and beverages.
Why is Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) important?
CCU is important because it can transform CO₂ from a waste product into a valuable resource, creating economic incentives for carbon capture. It can contribute to emissions reduction by preventing CO₂ from entering the atmosphere and, if the utilization results in durable, long-term storage of carbon, it can also contribute to carbon removal.
Related terms
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Frequently asked questions
In CCU, the captured CO₂ is used (utilized) in products or processes, whereas in CCS, the captured CO₂ is permanently stored underground.
CCU is only considered a carbon removal method if the utilization process results in the permanent or very long-term (hundreds to thousands of years) storage of the CO₂, effectively taking it out of the active carbon cycle (e.g., in certain building materials).
Products include synthetic fuels, chemicals, plastics, fertilizers, building materials (e.g., concrete), carbonated beverages, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR).