Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a new technology used by power plants and factories to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂), a major cause of global warming. The process separates CO₂ from other gases, then compresses and stores it deep underground in areas like saline aquifers or unmineable coal seams. In Texas, a facility operated by BKV Corporation stores carbon almost two miles underground, according to company information. In 2023, about 45 carbon capture facilities worked around the world, capturing 50 million metric tons of CO₂. However, this amount is small compared to the 37.8 gigatonnes of CO₂ released by the energy sector, based on data from the International Energy Agency.

Some experts believe CCS is useful for industries like steel and cement, which are difficult to clean. But others are concerned about the high cost and limited success. The Environmental Integrity Project said most projects only capture about 60 percent of CO₂, not the 90 percent that some companies promised. Also, around 75 percent of the captured carbon is used to get more oil from underground instead of being stored. A study in 2021 also found that methane, another strong greenhouse gas, can leak during the process. After a carbon leak in Illinois near a major water source, state leaders placed limits on underground carbon storage. Supporters say tax incentives are needed to help CCS grow, but environmental groups worry it may slow the move to clean energy.