A groundbreaking report has sounded the alarm on Asia’s aggressive adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, revealing that the region’s focus on CCS could lead to an additional 25 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. The study, conducted by a leading environmental research group, underscores the dangers of over-relying on CCS without addressing the root causes of emissions.
The CCS Boom in Asia
CCS has become a cornerstone of climate strategies in Asia, with countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea investing heavily in the technology. CCS captures CO2 emissions from industrial processes or power plants and stores them underground to prevent atmospheric release. Advocates argue it’s essential for reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like cement, steel, and fossil fuel energy.
However, the report warns that Asia’s CCS expansion could backfire. Instead of accelerating the shift to renewable energy, many nations are using CCS to justify prolonged reliance on coal, oil, and gas. This approach risks locking in fossil fuel dependency for decades, derailing global climate targets.
A Double-Edged Sword
The report estimates that while Asia’s CCS projects may capture and store 10 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2050, they could enable 35 billion tonnes of emissions from continued fossil fuel use. The net result? A staggering 25 billion tonnes of additional emissions.
“CCS is being sold as a miracle solution, but it’s not a replacement for phasing out fossil fuels,” said Dr. Ananya Rao, the report’s lead author. “Asia’s approach risks greenwashing coal and gas expansion instead of driving a true clean energy transition.”
The Fossil Fuel Factor
Asia dominates global coal consumption, and CCS is increasingly used to prolong the life of coal-fired power plants. India, for example, plans to retrofit coal plants with CCS, claiming it will balance climate goals and energy security. Meanwhile, China, the world’s largest emitter, is deploying CCS across its coal and industrial sectors.
Critics argue this strategy is both environmentally and economically flawed. CCS is costly, energy-intensive, and unproven at scale. Funds allocated to CCS could be better spent on renewables, energy efficiency, and other proven decarbonization methods.
A Call for Holistic Solutions
The report urges Asian governments to prioritize renewable energy and energy efficiency over CCS. It also recommends stricter regulations to ensure CCS is used only for hard-to-abate industries, not as a lifeline for fossil fuels.
“The climate crisis demands bold action,” said Dr. Rao. “While CCS has a role in certain sectors, it cannot replace the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels. Asia has the potential to lead the global energy transition, but it must commit to genuine decarbonization.”
The Global Implications
Asia’s CCS strategy has profound consequences for global climate efforts. If the region fails to curb emissions, it could jeopardize the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The report highlights the need for international collaboration to ensure CCS aligns with global climate objectives.
As COP28 approaches, the CCS debate will intensify. For Asia, the challenge is to leverage CCS responsibly while avoiding fossil fuel dependency. The stakes are high, and time is running out.
Asia’s choices today will shape the planet’s future. Will the region embrace innovation and transformation—or remain tethered to the fossil fuel era?
