CCUS: a key technological lever to accelerate global decarbonisation

As global carbon emissions continue to rise, the need for scalable climate solutions has become increasingly urgent. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy requires not only long-term vision but also a decisive combination of investment, regulation, and technological innovation. In this context, CCUS projects are emerging as one of the most promising technologies to curb the advance of climate change.

Carbon Capture, Utilisation and/or permanent Storage (CCUS) projects stand out as one of the most effective and forward-looking solutions for reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. This advanced technology can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of hard-to-abate industrial sectors, offering a viable pathway for transition without the need to completely replace existing infrastructure.

It is important, however, to understand that this is a transition: its role is to help reduce emissions while technologies and processes that prevent emissions at their source are developed and adopted.

A viable solution to a structural challenge

In 2024, global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels reached 37.4 billion tonnes, according to the Global Carbon Budget. This figure represents a 4.47% increase from the previous year and continues on an upward trend, underscoring the pressing need for scalable, effective solutions that can address emissions from sectors where decarbonisation is particularly complex.

CCUS projects offer a tangible response to this challenge, both from an environmental and economic standpoint:

Decarbonising emission-intensive industries

Such as cement, steel, chemicals, fertiliser production, and oil and gas refining. In these sectors, replacing raw materials or overhauling processes is not currently feasible, making CCUS projects a realistic and effective alternative.

Compatibility with existing infrastructure

Enabling seamless integration into operational facilities. This not only reduces the need for investment in new plants but also accelerates progress towards climate targets, particularly in mature industries.

Advancing the circular economy

By reusing captured CO₂ to produce synthetic fuels, construction materials, chemicals, and sustainable plastics.

Direct contribution to achieving net-zero targets by 2050

In alignment with the Paris Agreement and global sustainability frameworks.

Technology with real-world impact

The cleantech ecosystem surrounding CCUS projects encompasses a range of techniques and applications, from point-source capture at industrial plants and power stations, to safe geological storage in deep underground formations, and industrial reuse that converts carbon into valuable products. This versatility makes CCUS projects a critical technology for achieving meaningful emission reductions in the near to medium term.

Beyond its environmental impact, CCUS projects —like other cleantech solutions—also drive technological innovation, attracts investment in clean infrastructure, and creates new sustainable business opportunities.

BBVA CIB: financial catalyst for climate transformation

BBVA Corporate & Investment Banking plays a central role as an enabler of climate transition. The development and deployment of technologies such as CCUS projects represent not only an environmental imperative but also an opportunity to reshape both industrial and financial models.

Through its value proposition, BBVA provides strategic advisory, climate risk analysis, and support in the financial structuring of initiatives aligned with sustainability criteria and green taxonomy frameworks. This approach channels capital toward high-impact projects, supporting the evolution of traditional industries.

As part of this commitment, BBVA has participated in the financing of CCUS projects in the United Kingdom and the Nordics, and has also provided advisory services for similar initiatives in Spain and the United States. These efforts underscore the bank’s commitment to industrial decarbonisation through pioneering and impactful climate solutions.