The first quarter of 2025 saw notable progress and continued investment momentum in the global carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) sector. Despite broader challenges affecting clean energy investment, CCUS projects maintained a positive trajectory, supported by strategic partnerships, government backing and ongoing industry collaboration.

Europe demonstrated particular advancement, with major CCS initiatives receiving governmental and institutional support. Among the flagship projects were the expansion of Norway’s Northern Lights CCS project, the launch of Stockholm Exergi’s first commercial-scale BECCS facility and significant funding commitments from the EU Innovation Fund, particularly in support of Holcim’s CarboClearTech and Clonbio’s bioethanol CCS facility in Ireland. However, some industry players, such as Drax, indicated a slowdown in investment, despite ongoing profitability and access to government subsidies.