Prominent figures in academia and industry have emphasised the indispensable role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in addressing the climate crisis, directly responding to recent critiques questioning its efficacy and cost. They argue that scientific principles necessitate the large-scale capture and secure disposal of carbon dioxide to prevent further global warming, as natural systems alone cannot absorb the projected excess emissions.
Professor Myles Allen from the University of Oxford, alongside Stephanie Loo of the Carbon Balance Initiative and Toby Lockwood of the Clean Air Task Force, contends that while concerns about public funding for carbon disposal are valid, the technology itself is non-negotiable. They advocate for a system where companies extracting fossil fuels are made responsible for the disposal of the carbon dioxide generated by their products. This approach, they suggest, could see fossil fuel use become warming-neutral by mid-century if 100% of emissions are stored.
The experts point to a current opportunity for the UK government to lead this shift. They propose that any new gas field licences, such as for the Jackdaw project, should be conditional on an obligation to store an increasing proportion of the gas's resulting carbon dioxide. This would align new fossil fuel production with the Paris Agreement goals and set a precedent for the global industry, bringing it in line with climate objectives. A public consultation on the Jackdaw project is open until 10 August 2026, offering a chance for public input on this proposal.
Olivia Powis, CEO of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, further reinforces the importance of CCS, particularly for the UK's resilience, energy security, and industrial competitiveness. She highlights its role in underpinning a renewables-led electricity system by providing flexible low-carbon generation when renewable output is low. Furthermore, CCS is deemed crucial for safeguarding key UK industries like cement, chemicals, and refining, enabling them to remain competitive as demand for low-carbon products grows globally.
Powis also addresses financial concerns, stating that claims of CCUS costing £264 billion are not recognised by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. She notes that the Climate Change Committee's seventh carbon budget estimates the cost of reaching net zero to be around 0.2% of UK GDP annually, with private investment expected to cover the majority. Ongoing UK projects, such as the East Coast Cluster and HyNet, are already generating significant economic activity, supporting £4 billion in supply-chain activity, over 300 UK subcontractors, and 5,500 jobs, demonstrating the nascent industry's potential.