Media Release
9 October 2025
The 2025 Global Status of CCS Report, released today by the Global CCS Institute (GCCSI), shows a sharp rise in carbon capture and storage (CCS) activity worldwide, underscoring both the technology’s growing importance and the need for Australia to accelerate its own national approach.
The report highlights significant global momentum, with the number of operational CCS projects increasing from 50 to 77 in the past 12 months. The combined capture capacity of these projects is 64 million tonnes of CO2 per annum, with an additional 44 Mtpa of capture capacity currently under construction. This is the equivalent of removing 23.5 million cars from the road every year.
The total number of facilities in the development pipeline has risen to 734 from 628.
Low Emission Technology Australia’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Damian Dwyer said the findings confirm that CCS has become a cornerstone of global industrial emissions reduction.
“The growth we’re seeing overseas reflects real momentum and political commitment,” Mr Dwyer said. “Countries are backing CCS because they recognise it’s critical for reducing emissions from industries that can’t easily electrify, and this is driving significant public and private investment in the technology.”
Mr Dwyer said that while global progress is accelerating, Australia risks falling behind without a coordinated national strategy.
“The world is moving quickly. Without a national CCUS strategy, incorporating both storage and utilisation, Australia will struggle to compete for investment, safeguard industrial jobs, or meet its own emissions targets,” he said. “We have the resources, the expertise and the industrial base to lead, but we need a national plan to align policy, funding and infrastructure.”
While the Government’s recent Net Zero Plan acknowledged the important role of CCS, a national CCUS strategy would provide a clear framework for collaboration between governments, industry and research organisations.
It would ensure that heavy-emitting sectors such as steel, cement and mining have viable pathways to net zero. It would also enable Australia to strengthen its role as a trusted energy and industrial partner to key export markets in Asia.
“CCUS can underpin a cleaner, competitive industrial future for Australia,” Mr Dwyer said. “It’s time to match international ambition with a coordinated national plan that keeps Australian industry strong and globally competitive.”
LETA continues to work with government, industry and international partners to advance low-emission technologies that deliver practical, proven emissions reduction and long-term prosperity for regional communities.
ENDS