Global Carbon Capture Projects Reach 113 Operational
New data shows commercial-scale carbon storage is expanding across key industrial sectors worldwide.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Environmental
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The Global CCS Institute reports 113 commercial-scale carbon capture and storage projects are now operational. These initiatives span diverse sectors including cement, hydrogen, and ammonia production.
Why it matters
Rising electricity demand from data centers is a primary driver behind the rapid growth in capture capacity across the Americas. These projects are essential for mitigating industrial emissions on a global scale.
Operating CO2 capture capacity in the Americas currently stands at 48Mt/yr, while projects in Europe hold a potential capacity of 141Mt/yr. One in three tracked projects globally are dedicated to transport and storage schemes.
The players
Global CCS Institute
This international organization provides research and advocacy to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture and storage technologies.
Yara
This company is a global leader in ammonia production and is actively implementing carbon capture solutions at its Dutch facilities.
The details
Industrial partnerships are now linking major emitters to permanent storage sites, including cross-border operations like Yara's ammonia facility in the Netherlands which transports carbon to Norway. Meanwhile, regional frameworks like Alberta, Canada's new coordination agreement are streamlining carbon pricing and infrastructure development.
Timeline
The Global CCS Institute reported these project figures on October 20, 2026.
The Big Picture
The rapid expansion of carbon capture infrastructure marks a critical shift in how heavy industry attempts to align with the Paris Agreement's net-zero emission targets. By bridging gaps between emitters and storage sites, these projects demonstrate a movement toward integrated industrial decarbonization.
The scale-up of these technologies could eventually lead to lower carbon-intensity products in sectors like construction and agriculture. As capture capacity hits projected targets of 100Mt/yr, consumers may see cleaner supply chains for common goods like fertilizers and cement.
The takeaway
Large-scale carbon capture is transitioning from experimental trials to a staple of global industrial strategy. Success in this field requires continued international cooperation to ensure cross-border transport and storage networks function effectively.
Further reading
Explore more about global climate solutions in the Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Globalcement.
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