IEA Reports Minimal Impact of Carbon Capture on Coal Emissions Amid Rising Demand

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that carbon capture and storage (CCS) is currently managing about 10 million metric tons of CO2 annually from coal facilities, representing only 0.06% of coal-related emissions. In 2024, coal-related activities produced approximately 135 million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions, with demand expected to rise by 0.5% to 8.85 billion tons by 2025.

North America leads in CCS capacity, hosting three of the four largest projects, including Petra Nova, which restarted in 2023. Meanwhile, China has increased its CCS capacity by nearly 50%, notably with the Huaneng Longdong Energy Base, now the largest CCS facility linked to a coal power plant.

Despite this, most global CCS projects are still in early development stages. The IEA warns that without significantly ramping up CCS deployment, coal's role in a low-carbon energy system will be limited.