Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Technologies for Net-Zero Industrial Emission Pathways

Abstract

Achieving net-zero emissions requires deep decarbonization of industrial sectors such as cement, steel, chemicals, refining, and power generation, where process emissions and high-temperature energy demands are difficult to eliminate through electrification alone. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies have emerged as a critical pathway for reducing industrial carbon dioxide emissions while enabling transitional and long-term climate strategies. This paper investigates CCUS technologies for net-zero industrial emission pathways. It examines capture methods including post-combustion, pre- combustion, oxy-fuel combustion, adsorption, membranes, and direct air capture. It further analyzes carbon utilization routes such as synthetic fuels, chemicals, mineralization, enhanced materials, and biological conversion, alongside geological storage in depleted reservoirs, saline aquifers, and basalt formations. Particular attention is given to techno-economic feasibility, lifecycle emissions, infrastructure requirements, policy incentives, and integration with hydrogen and renewable energy systems. Benefits include mitigation of hard-to-abate emissions, preservation of industrial competitiveness, and support for circular carbon economies. Major barriers include high capital cost, energy penalties, transport network limitations, storage verification, public acceptance, and regulatory uncertainty. A future roadmap is proposed involving low-cost solvents, modular capture systems, carbon hubs, digital monitoring, and market mechanisms rewarding negative or avoided emissions. The paper concludes that CCUS is not a standalone substitute for broader decarbonization, but an essential complement for sectors where direct elimination of carbon emissions remains technologically or economically constrained.