Redshaw Advisors Logo
Subscribe →

Global Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Patents on the Rise: China Leads the Way

The number of global patents registered for carbon capture and storage (CCS) has shown a notable increase, rising by 22% during the 2020-2021 period, marking the fifth consecutive annual increase. According to accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, there were 203 registrations compared to 167 in the previous year. This figure also represents a significant 227% surge compared to the 62 CCS patents registered five years ago.

China holds the majority share, accounting for 81% of the total patents registered. As the world's largest emitter of carbon emissions and with more than 50% of the world's coal power generation, China has recently inaugurated its first offshore carbon capture facility, reflecting its commitment to tackling emissions.

The United States ranks second in terms of patent registrations, comprising 9% of the total. The US government's infrastructure bill of US$1.75 trillion includes provisions for US$12 billion allocated to carbon capture initiatives.

The United Kingdom accounts for 1% of the patents registered. In its 2020 budget, the UK government pledged £1 billion for carbon capture infrastructure. CCS involves the process of capturing CO2 from emissions produced by industrial processes and storing it, often in depleted oil and gas reservoirs or coalbeds. In some cases, the captured CO2 can also be repurposed for the production of commercial products, effectively removing it from the carbon cycle.

Among the sectors adopting CCS technology, the energy sector takes the lead with 32% of CCS patents registered in 2020-2021, accounting for 16% of the total patents. Besides oil and gas companies, other sectors embracing this technology include cement, sewage and garbage treatment works, mining, agriculture, steel, and construction. The growing interest in CCS across various industries highlights the increasing recognition of its potential in reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a more sustainable future.


Table of Contents
Primary Item (H2)
Share this:

More Insights

CORSIA: Navigating the next phase in carbon offsetting

From 2027, CORSIA becomes mandatory. Aligning EU & UK ETS rules, avoiding credit shortages, and managing political uncertainty will test even the best-prepared operators...
Read More

Public consultation launched for including Greenhouse Gas Removals in the UK ETS

Introduction The risks associated with climate change demand an urgent worldwide response. Reaching the temperature targets set out in the 2015 Paris agreement requires greenhouse […]
Read More

Compliance carbon markets, a bright future ahead

Compliance carbon markets have become an essential tool for lawmakers around the world, and commodity researchers believe that their rise will continue throughout the next […]
Read More
1 2 3 79
All Insights

Subscribe to the WeeklyRed

Stay ahead with our WeeklyRed  - your go-to source for comprehensive, insightful updates on global compliance and voluntary markets as well as renewable energy.
Every Monday, fresh into your inbox.
Subscribe
2025 Redshaw Advisors Ltd. All rights reserved.
crossarrow-right