Concerns Rise Over Carbon Capture Projects

The carbon capture industry faces significant challenges as planned projects encounter uncertainty, with only about half of the anticipated 400 million tons of capacity expected to come online by the end of the decade. This situation arises from various issues, including insufficient midstream infrastructure, economic viability, and community pushback against projects. Meanwhile, researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a covalent organic framework that captures CO2 at a scale comparable to a tree, although direct air capture remains energy-intensive. In Michigan, lawmakers advanced a carbon capture and storage bill despite environmental concerns regarding potential risks to water resources and public health. Additionally, innovative technologies like Carbon Capture Surfaces leverage microalgae for effective CO2 removal, promising more sustainable solutions. As interest in carbon capture grows, the industry must address these technical and regulatory hurdles to fulfill its climate goals.