Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is often touted as a climate solution, but critics argue it serves as a fig leaf for fossil fuel expansion. A recent letter from Professor Myles Allen and colleagues proposes licensing gasfields on condition that producers store an increasing share of the carbon dioxide their products generate. However, this approach overlooks a critical factor: methane leaks.
The Methane Blind Spot in Carbon Capture Plans
While the proposal focuses on CO2, it deliberately excludes methane, a potent greenhouse gas that escapes throughout global fossil-fuel supply chains. Methane emissions occur during extraction, processing, liquefaction, and shipping of natural gas. Satellite observations have confirmed major methane plumes, especially from liquefied natural gas operations, making them the dominant near-term climate impact.
During London Climate Week, the UN Secretary General issued a call to action on methane, highlighting the urgency of addressing these emissions. Policymakers should treat any CCS proposal with caution if it fails to account for methane leakage.
The Staggering Cost of Carbon Capture
The estimated cost of CCS to the UK by 2050 is £264 billion, derived from the Climate Change Committee’s own data. The government’s £21.7 billion funding commitment has supported projects that capture just over 3 million tonnes of CO2 annually. However, the Carbon Capture and Storage Association’s pipeline envisions capturing 77 million tonnes—25 times more—suggesting the £264 billion figure may be conservative.
CCS vs. Renewables: A Cost Comparison
When evaluating value for money, the International Energy Agency reports that solar and wind avoided 2,600 megatonnes of CO2 in 2025. In contrast, global CCS captures under 40 megatonnes—a 65-fold difference that will only widen as renewables and energy storage grow faster.
| Technology | CO2 Avoided/Captured (Megatonnes, 2025) | Cost Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Solar & Wind | 2,600 | High |
| Carbon Capture | Under 40 | Low |
Job Creation Myths
CCS projects often boast about job creation, but the numbers are misleading. Construction jobs are temporary and vanish once projects are completed, leaving a much smaller operational workforce. Meanwhile, public subsidies continue for 25 years, raising questions about long-term economic benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Carbon capture may enable continued fossil fuel expansion rather than reducing emissions.
- Methane leaks from gas supply chains are ignored in many CCS proposals, undermining climate goals.
- Renewable energy offers a far more cost-effective path to emission reductions.
- CCS subsidies often exceed the value of captured carbon, with temporary job gains.
FAQ
Is carbon capture a proven technology?
Carbon capture is technically feasible but remains expensive and limited in scale. Current global capture is under 40 megatonnes annually, far less than what is needed.
Why is methane a problem for CCS proposals?
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that leaks throughout fossil fuel supply chains. Many CCS proposals ignore methane, meaning they do not address near-term climate impacts.
Are renewables cheaper than carbon capture?
Yes. Solar and wind avoided 2,600 megatonnes of CO2 in 2025, while CCS captured under 40 megatonnes. Renewables are far more cost-effective and scalable.
In conclusion, while carbon capture may play a limited role in hard-to-abate sectors, it should not be used as a justification for expanding fossil fuel infrastructure. The most effective climate strategy remains a rapid transition to 100% renewable energy.
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