Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is moving from niche pilot projects to a global climate strategy worth billions. Once seen as a backup plan, it’s now racing to the forefront — from massive U.S. industrial hubs to China’s fast-expanding carbon pipelines. Supporters call it essential for tackling the world’s toughest emissions in steel, cement, and energy. Critics warn it could be a costly detour.
As governments, investors, and big tech pour money into CCS, one question looms: can it deliver the deep carbon cuts needed to hit net zero by 2050?
This guide walks you through everything you need to know: how CCS works, the latest technologies, the biggest projects and market leaders, and where the fastest growth is happening.
We’ll also explore market trends, policy drivers, corporate demand, and the risks investors should watch. Whether you’re new to CCS or tracking it as a climate tech opportunity, this resource covers the science, the strategy, and the business potential shaping the future of carbon removal.
What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?
Carbon Capture and Storage is a climate technology designed to prevent carbon dioxide (CO₂) from entering the atmosphere. It captures CO₂ emissions from places like power plants, cement factories, and steel mills. This happens before the emissions can add to global warming.
A related term is Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). It takes things further by using captured CO₂ in products like synthetic fuels, building materials, or plastics.
The key difference between CCS and CCUS lies in the “U” — utilization. In CCS, the captured CO₂ is permanently stored underground, while in CCUS, part or all of that CO₂ is repurposed for industrial use before storage.
This technology helps fight climate change. It can reduce emissions from hard-to-decarbonize industries. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) both recognize CCS as a critical tool for achieving net-zero targets.
Global climate agreements, like those at the annual UN Climate Change Conferences (COP), stress that CCS is key to limiting global temperature rise to below 1.5°C.
How Carbon Capture Works: A Step-by-Step Process
CCS works in three main stages — capture, transport, and storage — with an optional fourth step for utilization. Let’s break down each one of them.
- Capture: The process starts by separating CO₂ from other gases produced during industrial processes or electricity generation. This can be done at power plants, cement kilns, oil refineries, and other facilities. Special chemical solvents, membranes, or advanced filters are used to remove CO₂ from flue gas or fuel before combustion.
- Transport: Once captured, CO₂ must be moved to a storage or utilization site. The most common method is through high-pressure pipelines. In some cases, ships or even trucks carry CO₂ over long distances, especially if storage sites are far from industrial hubs.
- Storage: For permanent storage, CO₂ is injected deep underground into geological formations such as saline aquifers or depleted oil and gas fields. These sites are chosen for their ability to trap CO₂ securely for thousands of years, with monitoring systems in place to detect any leaks.
- Utilization: In CCUS projects, some or all of the captured CO₂ is reused instead of being stored immediately. It can be converted into synthetic fuels, used in making cement and plastics, or even injected into greenhouses to boost plant growth. While utilization does not always result in permanent storage, it can reduce the need for fossil-based raw materials.
Tech Toolbox: The Many Ways of Capturing Carbon
CCS is not a single technology. Different methods are used depending on the type of facility, the fuel being used, and the stage at which CO₂ is removed. The main types are:
Post-combustion capture: This is the most common method today. CO₂ is removed from the exhaust gases after fuel has been burned. Chemical solvents or filters separate the CO₂ from other gases before it is compressed for transport.
Pre-combustion capture: Here, the fuel is treated before it is burned. The process converts the fuel into a mixture of hydrogen and CO₂. The CO₂ is separated and stored, while the hydrogen can be used to produce energy without direct emissions.
Oxy-fuel combustion: In this method, fuel is burned in pure oxygen instead of air. This creates a stream of exhaust that is mostly CO₂ and water vapor, making it easier to capture the CO₂.
Direct Air Capture (DAC): DAC removes CO₂ from the air instead of just one source. It uses big fans and chemical filters to do this. It can be used anywhere but requires more energy because CO₂ in the air is less concentrated.
As of end-2024, around 53 DAC plants were expected to be operational globally, rising to 93 by 2030 with a capacity of 6.4–11.4 MtCO₂/year.
Bioenergy with CCS (BECCS): This approach combines biomass energy production with carbon capture. Plants absorb CO₂ while growing, and when the biomass is burned for energy, the emissions are captured and stored. This can result in “negative emissions,” removing CO₂ from the atmosphere.
Global Race: Which Countries Are Winning CCS Leadership
Carbon capture and storage is now a reality. It’s in operation in many countries, with numerous projects either planned or being built. CCS technology is still new compared to global emissions. But momentum is growing.
Governments, industries, and investors are now committing to large-scale deployment. CCS capacity differs between regions:
United States
The U.S. leads CCS deployment, holding about 40% of global operational capacity. By mid-2024, facilities captured roughly 22–23 Mt CO₂ annually. Growth is driven by the expanded 45Q tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act, rewarding storage and utilization. Flagship projects include Petra Nova in Texas and Midwest CCS hubs serving ethanol, fertilizer, and industrial sites.
Canada
Canada hosts pioneering projects like Boundary Dam (the world’s first commercial coal CCS) and Quest in Alberta, capturing CO₂ from hydrogen linked to oil sands. National capacity is ~4 Mt per year, supported by a federal CCS investment tax credit targeting heavy industry and clean hydrogen.
Norway
Norway has led offshore CO₂ storage since the Sleipner project began in 1996, injecting ~1 Mt annually into a saline aquifer. The Northern Lights project, part of Longship, will create a shared CO₂ transport and storage network for European industries.
China
China’s CCS capacity grew from ~1 Mt/year in 2022 to over 3.5 Mt in 2024, mainly in coal-to-chemicals, gas processing, and EOR. CCS is now part of national climate strategies, signaling rapid expansion.
United Kingdom
The UK’s cluster model links industries via shared pipelines and offshore storage. The East Coast Cluster and HyNet, due late 2020s, could together capture over 20 Mt CO₂ annually.
Australia
Australia’s ~4 Mt/year capacity includes the massive Gorgon gas-linked CCS facility in Western Australia, despite operational setbacks. With vast geological storage potential, the country aims to be a CO₂ storage hub for Asia’s export industries.
Total Operational Capacity and Growth
As of 2024, global CCS facilities in operation had a combined capture capacity of just over 50 million tonnes of CO₂ per year. This shows steady growth, up from about 40 Mt a few years ago. However, it still accounts for just a small part of the over 40 billion tonnes of CO₂ emitted worldwide each year.
However, the project pipeline is expanding quickly. The facilities being built will double the current capacity. Early development projects might raise global capacity to over 400 million tonnes per year by the early 2030s if they stay on track.
The Rise of CCS Hubs and Clusters
A key trend in the industry is the creation of CCS hubs—shared infrastructure networks where multiple companies use the same transport and storage systems. This model lowers costs and speeds up deployment by avoiding the need for every facility to build its own pipeline or storage site.
The U.S. Midwest ethanol corridor, Norway’s Northern Lights, and the UK’s industrial clusters are among the most advanced examples. These hubs usually form close to industrial areas. Here, emissions are high, and the current infrastructure, like pipelines and ports, can be adjusted for CO₂ transport.
Why CCS Matters in the Climate Fight
Carbon capture and storage is not meant to replace renewable energy or other climate solutions. Instead, it focuses on the toughest parts of the emissions problem—places where cutting CO₂ is especially hard or expensive. Experts call these hard-to-abate sectors.
Hard-to-Abate Sectors
Some industries can’t simply switch to clean electricity. For example, making steel requires very high heat and chemical reactions that release CO₂. Cement production also releases CO₂ as a byproduct of making clinker, the key ingredient in concrete.
Chemical plants and refineries have complex processes that generate large amounts of CO₂. Even aviation faces limits, since planes can’t yet fly long distances on batteries alone. CCS can capture emissions from these sources. This helps reduce climate impact while keeping production running.
Here is the technology’s application in various industries:
Role in Meeting the 1.5°C Target and Net-Zero by 2050
To avoid the worst effects of climate change, scientists say global warming must be kept to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. That means reaching net-zero emissions by around 2050.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has run hundreds of models to see how this can be done. In most scenarios, CCS plays a key role. Without it, the cost of meeting climate targets could rise by 70% or more, because other solutions would have to carry the full load.
Synergies with Clean Hydrogen, Carbon Markets, and Industrial Strategy
CCS also works well with other low-carbon solutions. CCS captures CO₂ that would escape when producing clean hydrogen, especially “blue hydrogen” from natural gas. This creates a cleaner fuel for use in transport, heating, and industry.
In carbon markets, CCS can generate credits for each tonne of CO₂ captured and stored. These credits can be sold to companies looking to offset their emissions. Governments are also linking CCS to industrial strategy by building shared hubs and pipelines. These will serve multiple factories, power plants, and fuel producers. This makes CCS cheaper and faster to deploy.
Endorsements from the IEA and UN
The International Energy Agency (IEA) calls CCS “critical” for reaching net zero, especially in heavy industry. It estimates the world will need to store 1.2 billion tonnes of CO₂ each year by 2050.
The United Nations also recognizes CCS in its climate plans. It has been featured in multiple COP agreements as a key technology for both reducing emissions and removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. These endorsements matter because they help drive policy support, funding, and international cooperation.
CCS Investment and Financing: How Much Does It Cost?
Carbon capture and storage can make a big impact on emissions. But it comes with a high price tag. Most projects cost between $50 and $150 for every tonne of CO₂ (and even over $400 for some technologies) captured and stored.
The lower end usually applies to large industrial sites near storage locations. The higher end often applies to smaller or more complex projects, or those that require long transport pipelines.
Government Support
Governments play a key role in making CCS affordable. In the U.S., the 45Q tax credit offers up to $85 per tonne for CO₂ stored underground and $60 per tonne for CO₂ used in other industrial processes.
Canada provides an Investment Tax Credit (ITC) covering up to 50% of eligible CCS costs. In Europe, the Innovation Fund supports early-stage CCS and other low-carbon projects, offering billions in grants.
Blended Finance and Partnerships
Because CCS is expensive, many projects rely on blended finance—a mix of public and private funding. Oil and gas companies invest in cutting carbon emissions. Meanwhile, governments help by offering grants and tax breaks.
Public-private partnerships are common, especially for shared CCS hubs where multiple companies use the same pipelines and storage sites. International lenders, such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, are funding CCS in emerging economies.
Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM)
CCS can also generate carbon removal credits for sale in the voluntary carbon market. These credits are purchased by companies aiming to offset their emissions.
While VCM prices vary, high-quality removal credits often sell for $100 per tonne or more, making them a potential revenue stream for CCS operators. Market demand for CCS-based credits is still growing. It relies on trust in the technology’s monitoring and verification.
Investor Angle: How to Invest in the CCS Industry
Interest in carbon capture and storage is rising among ESG, climate tech, and energy transition investors. The global CCS market was valued at about $4.5 billion in 2023 and could grow to more than $20 billion by 2033, according to industry forecasts. This growth is being driven by stricter climate policies, corporate net-zero pledges, and rising carbon prices.
Public Stocks
Investors can buy shares in companies directly involved in CCS. Examples include Aker Carbon Capture (Norway), Occidental Petroleum (U.S.), Air Liquide (France), and ExxonMobil.
Many oil and gas majors now see CCS as essential to keeping their assets viable in a low-carbon future. These firms are investing billions in CCS hubs and carbon removal partnerships.
Private Startups
Private markets offer exposure to emerging technologies like DAC. Leading firms include Climeworks (Switzerland), CarbonCapture (U.S.), and Heirloom (U.S.).
DAC projects are smaller today but attract premium interest from tech backers and climate-focused venture capital. In 2022 alone, DAC startups raised over $1 billion in funding.
ETFs and Funds
There are also climate-focused ETFs and funds that include carbon removal technologies as part of their portfolios. These funds reduce risk by investing in various companies. They focus on CCS, renewable energy, hydrogen, and other low-carbon solutions.
Carbon Credit Markets
Some investors buy into CCS through the carbon credit market. This can be done by funding CCS or DAC projects that issue carbon removal credits.
Platforms like Puro.earth and CIX (Climate Impact X) connect investors with verified carbon removal projects. Credits from high-quality CCS projects can fetch $100–$200 per tonne depending on location and verification standards.
Due Diligence
Before investing, it is important to check policy risk, technology readiness, cost curves, and scalability. CCS works best in large industrial hubs with access to geological storage. Finally, watch these key sectors because they will likely drive demand and scale for CCS:
- The oil & gas sector uses CCS for enhanced oil recovery and to lower its emissions.
- Cement firms need CCS because their production process emits CO₂ that can’t be avoided easily.
- Hydrogen—especially blue hydrogen—depends on CCS to cut its carbon footprint.
- DAC startups aim to remove CO₂ directly from the air and may sell high-value removal credits.
- And carbon marketplaces and registries will shape how removal credits are priced and trusted.
These areas have the most potential to scale quickly as policies tighten and carbon prices rise.
Risks, Challenges, and Criticism of CCS
While CCS has strong potential as a climate solution, it faces several challenges that investors, policymakers, and project developers must consider.
- High Capital Costs and Slow ROI: Large CCS projects cost hundreds of millions to billions of dollars. At $50–$150 per tonne captured, returns depend on strong policy support, carbon pricing, or premium credits, with payback periods often spanning years.
- Energy Requirements and Lifecycle Emissions: CCS uses significant energy, sometimes from fossil fuels. Without low-carbon power, net emissions savings shrink, making efficiency improvements essential.
- Storage Risks: Leakage, Permanence, and Monitoring: Geological storage is generally safe, but leakage is possible. Continuous monitoring ensures CO₂ remains underground for centuries.
- Debate Over Fossil Fuel Dependency vs. Genuine Decarbonization: Critics say CCS can prolong fossil fuel use. Supporters argue it’s vital for industries like cement and steel.
- Policy Uncertainty and Lack of Global Standards: Policy changes can undermine project economics. The absence of global CO₂ measurement standards adds risk to cross-border investments.
Market Outlook (2024–2030): What’s Next for CCS?
The world is gearing up for a big expansion in carbon capture and storage. But just how fast will CCS grow—and what could power that growth?
Growing CCS Pipeline and Capacity
Momentum is clearly building. The Global CCS Institute reports a record 628 projects in the pipeline—an increase of over 200 from the previous year.
The expected annual capture capacity from these projects is 416 million tonnes of CO₂. This amount has been growing at a 32% rate each year since 2017. Once the current construction is completed, operational capacity is set to double to more than 100 Mt per year.
Similarly, the IEA sees global capture capacity rising from roughly 50 Mt/year today to about 430 Mt/year by 2030, with storage capability reaching 670 Mt/year.
Still, this is only a start. To meet global climate goals, CCS will need to scale much more, lasting into the billions of tonnes annually.
Policies Fueling Momentum
Governments are shoring up policy support to accelerate CCS rollout. Here are the regional trends so far:
- In the U.S., the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) expanded the 45Q tax credit—making CCS more financially appealing for project developers.
- The EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act and updated Industrial Carbon Management Strategy aim to help the region capture at least 50 Mt by 2030, rising to 280 Mt by 2040.
- Across the Asia-Pacific, countries like Australia are positioning themselves as carbon storage hubs. With strong geology and policy backing, Australia could generate over US$500 billion in regional carbon storage revenue by 2050.
Corporate Buyers Powering Demand
Major companies are not just talking—they’re signing deals:
- Microsoft stands out as a leading buyer of carbon removal credits. It has contracted close to 30 million tonnes. This includes 3.7 million tonnes over 12 years with startup CO280 and 1.1 million tonnes in a 10-year deal with Norway’s Hafslund Celsio project.
- Shopify co-founded Frontier—a $925 million advance market commitment—with other big names like Stripe and Alphabet. It has also purchased over $80 million in carbon removal from startups using DAC, enhanced weathering, and other technologies.
These corporate purchases show a strong demand for CCS-backed removal credits. They also help build a stable market for project developers.
Carbon Pricing, ESG Rules, and Global Markets
CCS is also benefiting from broader climate market trends:
- Carbon pricing and trading systems globally are starting to include CCS credits. As prices rise, CCS projects can improve their economics.
- ESG reporting and net-zero commitments are increasing transparency and accountability. Firms are expected to show real results—CCS helps deliver that.
- The rise of international carbon markets and registries is creating standardized ways to value and certify carbon removals. This makes CCS credits more trustworthy and investable.
Quick Take
By 2030, CCS capacity could rise eightfold—from 50 million to over 400 million tonnes. This growth is being driven by government policy, big corporate offtake deals, and a maturing carbon credit market. While still far from what’s needed to fully tackle climate change, the CCS sector is clearly moving from pilot stage to commercial reality
The Role of CCS in a Net-Zero Future
CCS isn’t a silver bullet. It’s a vital tool that works with renewables, electrification, and nature-based solutions like reforestation.
Renewables stop future emissions. CCS tackles the emissions that still exist, especially from old infrastructure in steel, cement, and chemicals. These are costly and slow to replace.
CCS captures emissions at the source. This helps extend facility lifespans and supports climate goals. It’s especially important for economies with new industrial assets.
Beyond reduction, CCS can enable permanent carbon removal through direct air capture and bioenergy with CCS, storing CO₂ underground for centuries. These methods can offset hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation and agriculture.
Responsible deployment is key. It needs strong MRV standards, community engagement, and alignment with sustainability goals. This helps avoid delays in phasing out fossil fuels.
CCS, when used wisely, connects our current fossil fuel economy to a low-carbon future. It helps reduce emissions we can’t fully eliminate yet and gives us time to develop cleaner technologies.
CCS is Not a Silver Bullet—But a Vital Tool
Carbon capture and storage is not a cure-all for the climate crisis. No single technology can deliver net zero on its own, and CCS should be viewed as one tool in a broader decarbonization toolkit.
A balanced approach requires acknowledging both the potential and the limitations of CCS. The technology can cut emissions and even remove carbon permanently when it’s based on solid science, strong policies, and clear reporting.
However, overreliance or misuse—particularly if it delays the shift away from fossil fuels—risks undermining climate goals.
The pathway to net zero will demand a combination of innovation, investment, and urgency. Carbon capture and storage is part of that solution set, and with careful governance, sustained funding, and clear standards, it can help bridge the gap between today’s emissions reality and the low-carbon future we urgently need.
- FURTHER READING: Carbon Capture and Storage to Grow 4x by 2030: Is It a Turning Point for Climate Action?
The post What is Carbon Capture and Storage? Your Ultimate Guide to CCS Technology appeared first on Carbon Credits.
Carbon Footprint
Carbon Credit Market Gains Integrity With ICVCM’s Approval of 6 New Removal Standards
The voluntary carbon market (VCM) has taken a major step forward. The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has approved six new carbon removal methodologies under its Core Carbon Principles (CCPs). These methods come from two programs: Isometric and Gold Standard. Both are known for meeting the council’s strict requirements.
This approval signals a shift toward stronger credibility in carbon removal credits. For years, the voluntary carbon market faced doubts about quality, transparency, and permanence.
Many companies hesitated to use credits due to fears of overstated benefits. The ICVCM names specific methods that meet high integrity standards. This helps businesses, investors, and governments have a clearer framework to trust. In the words of Annette Nazareth, ICVCM Chair:
“We are pleased to announce these new approvals for methodologies in a variety of emissions reductions and removals categories. The science is clear that both reductions and removals are critical to effective climate action. These latest approvals will open up new options for integrity-focused buyers to broaden their portfolios of carbon credits across a range of high-impact categories.”
The New Approved Standards
The six approved carbon removal methodologies include the following:
- Gold Standard — Carbon Sequestration Through Accelerated Carbonation of Concrete Aggregate (v1.0)
- Isometric — Biomass Geological Storage (v1.0–v1.1)
- Isometric — Bio-oil Geological Storage (v1.0–v1.1)
- Isometric — Subsurface Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (v1.0)
- Isometric — Biogenic Carbon Capture and Storage (v1.1)
- Isometric — Direct Air Capture (v1.1)
In addition, the ICVCM confirmed two nature-based methodologies under other programs: CAR Mexico Forest Protocol v3 for improved forest management and VM0047 v1.1 for afforestation and reforestation.
These approvals matter because they are linked to very specific versions of methodologies. Not all projects under Isometric or Gold Standard automatically qualify. Only those that follow these approved versions can carry the CCP label.
From Doubts to Trust: Raising the Bar on Carbon Credits
So far, projects under these new removal methods have issued around 30,000 credits. While this number is small, the pipeline is much larger. ICVCM data show that:
- 24 projects under the Isometric methods are expected to issue over 3.2 million credits annually in the coming years.
- 15 projects under the Gold Standard method could issue over 9,000 credits annually.
In forestry, the CAR Mexico Forest Protocol v3 already has more than 8.1 million credits issued. However, not all will automatically qualify under the CCP label because of new permanence and leakage rules. For example, the protocol now requires a 40-year permanence commitment and allows leakage rates of up to 40%.
This level of detail adds clarity and accountability. It helps ensure that CCP-approved credits represent real, measurable, and durable climate outcomes.
From Billions to Trillions: The Future of Carbon Removal
The carbon removal market is still small compared to the scale of global emissions. Today, VCMs are valued at about $2 billion annually. Forecasts suggest they could reach up to $100 billion by 2030. Carbon removal will be central to that growth.
Currently, removals make up less than 1% of all credits sold. Most credits still come from avoided emissions, such as preventing deforestation. But future sales are shifting toward removals.
Buyers are showing stronger interest in forward contracts for engineered removals, like direct air capture, bio-oil storage, and biomass geological storage.
Analysts project that DAC capacity could reach 60–100 million tons per year by 2035, up from near zero today. Meanwhile, biochar, enhanced weathering, and subsurface storage are also scaling. These new CCP approvals provide the quality assurance needed to attract investment at this level.
Carbon market growth rates are projected at 25–30% annually through the next decade. By 2050, the sector could generate more than $1 trillion annually, reflecting the scale of removals needed to reach climate goals.
- BloombergNEF projects that carbon credit supply will expand 20- to 35-fold by 2050, with engineered removals gaining share. Current supply sits near 243 million tons in 2024, rising to 2.6 billion tons by 2030 and 4.8 billion by 2050.
DAC is forecasted to deliver about 21% of credits by 2050. Prices for credits may increase to $60 per ton by 2030 and $104 by 2050, reflecting greater demand and higher quality standards.
Four Forces Powering the Carbon Removal Boom
Several forces are pushing removals into the mainstream.
- Corporate Net-Zero Goals – More than 5,000 companies worldwide have pledged to reach net zero. Many will rely on removals to balance emissions they cannot fully cut.
- Government Policy – U.S. and European policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the EU Green Deal, provide tax credits and funding for carbon capture.
- Investor Confidence – Clear CCP standards make investors more willing to finance high-quality projects.
- Technology Scaling – Costs for engineered removals like DAC and bio-oil storage are expected to fall as projects scale up.
These trends show why carbon removal is becoming not just a side option but a pillar of climate strategy.
The Price of Permanence: Barriers Still Loom
Even with new approvals, challenges remain. Engineered removals are expensive. Current costs for direct air capture range from $300 to $600 per ton. Experts say this needs to fall below $100 per ton for widespread adoption.
Nature-based removals, while cheaper, raise other questions. Land use, biodiversity impacts, and long-term monitoring must be managed carefully. For example, requiring 40-year permanence adds credibility but also creates financial and operational hurdles for project developers.
The Integrity Council will need to enforce ongoing monitoring, verification, and auditing. Without strong oversight, credibility could erode again.
Why This Matters for Business and Capital
For companies, the approval of Isometric and Gold Standard removals offers more reliable ways to meet net-zero targets. Purchasing CCP-approved carbon credits reduces reputational risks and demonstrates a commitment to real climate action.
For investors, these standards provide a clearer signal about which projects are worth funding. Capital can flow toward technologies and practices that deliver measurable and permanent removals.
Carbon Markets 2030 and Beyond
The ICVCM decision is a foundation for growth. By 2030, analysts expect carbon removal to represent a much larger share of the voluntary market.
Government integration will be another milestone. Both the UK and EU are exploring whether to allow carbon removals in their compliance systems within the next five years. If CCP-approved removals are included, demand could rise sharply.
The Integrity Council’s approval of six new methodologies from Isometric and Gold Standard represents a turning point for carbon markets. These decisions provide greater transparency, stronger safeguards, and a clearer path for scaling carbon removal.
While challenges remain in cost, permanence, and oversight, the foundation for trust is stronger than before. With new standards in place, the carbon removal market can grow from thousands to millions—and eventually billions—of tons of CO₂ removed. This shift is critical to balancing global emissions and moving closer to a net-zero future.
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Carbon Footprint
Lithium’s Turning Point: DOE Investment in LAC’s Thacker Pass and the LIT ETF Rally
Lithium has become one of the most critical resources for the global energy transition. As demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage grows, countries are racing to secure stable supplies of this lightweight metal.
In the United States, the Department of Energy (DOE) has just announced a new era for lithium production. At the same time, investor interest in lithium has surged, reflected by the strong monthly close of the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT). These changes show that the lithium market is reaching an important stage. This stage is shaped by policy, technology, and financial momentum.
U.S. DOE Takes a Stake in Lithium Americas
The DOE recently confirmed it will take equity stakes in Lithium Americas and its Thacker Pass mine in Nevada. This move marks the first time the U.S. government has directly invested in a lithium project rather than providing loans or guarantees.
Thacker Pass is one of the biggest lithium deposits in North America. It could greatly decrease U.S. dependence on foreign sources.
Becoming a shareholder sends a clear message: lithium production is vital for both business and national security. China controls over 60% of global lithium refining. So, the U.S. wants to boost its own supply chains.
The government aims to support projects that ensure long-term stability. The government’s role lowers risk for private investors. This could lead to more funding and partnerships.
Thacker Pass: America’s White Gold Standard
Thacker Pass, located in northern Nevada, is set to produce lithium carbonate. This will provide enough for batteries in up to one million EVs each year when fully operational. Construction is underway, and production is expected later this decade. The mine could make the U.S. one of the top four global producers, alongside Chile and Australia.
Thacker Pass has not been without controversy, facing environmental opposition and legal challenges. However, federal and state support has kept the project moving forward. If successful, it could reshape the balance of supply in the Western Hemisphere and reduce reliance on imports from Asia.
A Global Tug-of-War for Lithium Supply
While the U.S. builds its domestic base, other regions are also reconfiguring supply chains.
- Chile and Argentina hold about 60% of the world’s lithium reserves. They are rethinking their royalty rules and partnerships to bring in more foreign investment.
- Australia, currently the largest producer, continues to expand mining output but faces bottlenecks in refining. Much of its raw spodumene is shipped to China for processing.
- China, a leader in refining and cathode production, is boosting investments in Africa and South America. This helps it maintain its top position.
This global tug-of-war reflects a broader reality: lithium is not only an industrial commodity but also a strategic resource. Countries are ensuring access by using different methods. They invest directly, make long-term supply agreements, and innovate with technology.
EVs and Energy Storage: The Demand Engine
Lithium demand will likely surge in the next ten years. This rise is due to more people using EVs and increasing grid-scale energy storage. BloombergNEF forecasts lithium-ion battery demand reaching multiple terawatt-hours annually by 2035. EVs will likely make up over 70% of this total.
In the U.S., new federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act are pushing automakers to source more domestically produced materials. Ford, General Motors, and Tesla have all made deals for lithium. They expect the market to get tighter.
Meanwhile, utilities are using large battery storage systems. These help balance renewable energy from sources like wind and solar. This shift is increasing demand even more.
New Frontiers: Direct Extraction and Recycling
Meeting future demand will not only depend on mining new deposits but also on deploying new technologies. Direct lithium extraction (DLE) methods can boost recovery rates. They also lower environmental impact compared to old evaporation ponds. Companies in the U.S. and South America are piloting these systems, and if successful, DLE could accelerate supply growth.
Recycling also represents a growing opportunity. As the first wave of EV batteries reaches the end of life, recycling firms are stepping in to recover valuable metals. This secondary supply could become increasingly important in balancing markets and reducing dependence on mining.
Price Trends and Market Volatility
Lithium prices have seen dramatic swings in recent years. After hitting record highs in 2022, prices corrected in 2023 and 2024 as supply temporarily outpaced demand.
However, analysts warn that volatility is likely to persist. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence says lithium carbonate prices steadied in 2025. However, rising demand from EV makers could trigger another price surge in the late 2020s.
This volatility underscores the challenges for both producers and investors. Companies should balance long-term supply contracts with the risk of falling prices. Investors need to consider cyclical downturns alongside the bigger growth picture.
LIT ETF’s Rally Sparks Renewed Optimism
One sign of renewed optimism in the sector is the recent performance of the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT). The ETF, which tracks a broad portfolio of lithium miners, battery producers, and EV companies, just posted its strongest monthly close in over a year, as seen in the Katusa Research chart below.
This performance reflects investor belief that the worst of the price downturn may be over and that long-term fundamentals remain intact. Stronger government backing, such as the DOE’s investment, adds further support to the outlook.
For many investors, ETFs like LIT offer diversified exposure to a sector known for both opportunity and volatility.
Investment Playbook: Choosing Exposure Wisely
For investors, the lithium sector presents both risks and rewards. On one hand, rising demand for EVs and energy storage supports a strong long-term growth story. On the other hand, price volatility, environmental concerns, and geopolitical risks remain significant.
Investors generally face three approaches:
- Major producers like Albemarle, SQM, and Ganfeng provide scale and stability.
- Emerging juniors, such as Lithium Americas, offer high growth potential but higher risks.
- ETFs like LIT provide diversified exposure, spreading risk across multiple companies and regions.
Each option carries different risk-reward profiles, making diversification a key strategy.
A Defining Decade for Lithium
The lithium industry is entering a transformative period. The DOE’s investment in Thacker Pass shows how vital it is to secure supply chains. Moreover, the strong close of the LIT ETF reflects rising investor confidence in this sector’s future. Globally, shifts in supply, demand, and technology are reshaping the landscape.
As EV adoption accelerates and renewable energy expands, lithium will remain a cornerstone of the energy transition. For governments, it is a matter of security and independence. For companies, it is a race to innovate and scale. And for investors, it represents both opportunity and volatility.
The next decade will likely define how lithium shapes the clean energy future, making today’s developments critical signals of what lies ahead.
- FURTHER READING: U.S. Lithium Push: How Washington’s Bet on Lithium Americas Could Reshape the Global Market
The post Lithium’s Turning Point: DOE Investment in LAC’s Thacker Pass and the LIT ETF Rally appeared first on Carbon Credits.
* Disseminated on behalf of ARMR Sciences Inc.
* For Accredited Investors Only. Offered pursuant to Rule 506(c). Reasonable steps to verify accreditation will be taken before any sale.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT – SPONSORED CONTENT
Fentanyl is not just a public health crisis – it has become a defining political issue in the United States. The synthetic opioid is now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18–45, killing an estimated 220 people every day.
As the toll rises, many political leaders, border agencies, and private innovators are converging on one message: fentanyl control is a matter of national security.
A Political Priority
President Donald Trump has made fentanyl control a centerpiece of his drug policy priorities. These priorities include attacking production and distribution networks, using both punitive (law enforcement) and economic tools. Trump has vowed that his “highest duty is the defense of the country and its citizens,” promising to intensify measures against cartels and traffickers responsible for smuggling synthetic opioids across the southern border.
The bipartisan urgency is clear. Lawmakers across party lines now view fentanyl not only as a public health emergency but also as a national security threat on par with terrorism and cyberwarfare. This framing should open the door to expanded federal funding, new enforcement powers, and increased support for innovative countermeasures, such as immunotherapies.
Borders Under Pressure
Most illicit fentanyl in the U.S. is manufactured abroad, often in China, and trafficked through Mexico, where it enters across official and unofficial border crossings. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported record seizures in recent years.
Canada, too, has experienced rising seizures and overdose deaths, underlining that this is not a U.S.-only crisis but a North American challenge.
Deployments of additional detection technology, canine units, and chemical sensors are underway at key border points. Yet border agents acknowledge they are overwhelmed: with traffickers mixing fentanyl into counterfeit pills or powder, even small gaps in enforcement can lead to mass fatalities.
ARMR’s Role in a Political Landscape
The fentanyl crisis is a political flashpoint that blends public health, security, and foreign policy. Border enforcement will remain essential, but no interdiction strategy can stop every shipment.
We believe that this climate creates fertile ground for ARMR Sciences’ preventive approach. Unlike Narcan, which only works after an overdose has begun, ARMR-100 (ARMR’s lead candidate) is designed to block fentanyl before it reaches the brain. For policymakers, this aligns with national security goals: a proactive solution that reduces the burden on border interdiction and first responders.
Why Investors Should Pay Attention
For investors, we believe that ARMR represents an opportunity to participate in a mission that is as much about impact as it is about returns. The company is working to translate 7 years of Department of Defense–backed science into a scalable biodefense platform:
- Lead candidate ARMR-100 blocked 92% of fentanyl from entering the brain in preclinical studies
- $30M private raise launched
- A targeted exchange listing in the future
- Direct alignment with political momentum on anti-fentanyl measures
With strong bipartisan focus and rising border enforcement pressure, companies like ARMR offering real solutions should be positioned to benefit from both government backing and investor interest.
By investing in this round, investors have a chance to back ARMR as it works to build a preventive shield against synthetic drug threats.
* For Accredited Investors Only. This offering is made pursuant to Rule 506(c) of Regulation D. All purchasers must be accredited investors, and the issuer will take reasonable steps to verify accredited status before any sale. Investing involves high risk, including the potential loss of your entire investment.
* This is a paid advertisement for ARMR’s private offering. Please read the details of the offering at InvestARMR.com for additional information on the company and the risk factors related to the offering.
* For investors from Canada: This advertisement forms part of the issuer’s marketing materials and is incorporated by reference into the issuer’s Offering Memorandum/Private Placement Memorandum under NI 45-106. Investors must receive and review the OM/PPM and execute the prescribed Form 45-106F4 Risk Acknowledgement before subscribing.
DISCLOSURES & DISCLAIMERS
CLIENT CONTENT: Carboncredits.com is not responsible for any content hosted on ARMR Sciences’ sites; it is ARMR Sciences’ responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE: Content is for educational, informational, and advertising purposes only and should NOT be construed as securities-related offers or solicitations. All content should be considered promotional and subject to disclosed conflicts of interest.
Do NOT rely on this as personalized investment advice. Do your own due diligence.
Carboncredits.com strongly recommends you consult a licensed or registered professional before making any investment decision.
REGULATORY STATUS: Neither Carboncredits.com nor any of its owners or employees is registered as a securities broker-dealer, broker, investment advisor, or IA representative with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities regulatory authority, or any self-regulatory organization.
CONTENT & COMPENSATION DISCLOSURE: Carboncredits.com has received compensation of thirty thousand dollars from ARMR Sciences for this sponsored content. You should assume we receive compensation as indicated for any purchases through links in this email via affiliate relationships, direct/indirect payments from companies or third parties who may own stock in or have other interests in promoted companies. We may purchase, sell, or hold long or short positions without notice in securities mentioned in this communication.
RESULTS NOT TYPICAL: Past performance and results are unverified and NOT indicative of future results. Results presented are NOT guaranteed as TYPICAL. Market conditions and individual circumstances vary significantly. Actual results will vary widely. Investing in securities is speculative and carries high risk; you may lose some, all, or possibly more than your original investment.
HIGH-RISK: Securities discussed may be highly speculative investments subject to extreme volatility, limited liquidity, and potential total loss. The Securities are suitable only for persons who can afford to lose their entire investment. Furthermore, investors must understand that such investment could be illiquid for an indefinite period of time. No public market currently exists for the securities, and if a public market develops, it may not continue.
DISCLAIMERS & CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: Certain statements in this presentation (the “Presentation”) may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the 1933 Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as ”should,” ”may,” ”intends,” ”anticipates,” ”believes,” ”estimates,” ”projects,” ”forecasts,” ”expects,” ”plans,” and ”proposes.” Forward-looking statements, which are based on the current plans, forecasts and expectations of management of ARMR Sciences Inc. (the “Company” or “ARMR Sciences”), are inherently less reliable than historical information. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including events and circumstances that may be outside our control.
Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, those risks identified in the Private Placement Memorandum. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained, and ARMR Sciences Inc. does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.
Any forward-looking financial forecasts contained in this Presentation are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forecasts. No assurances can be given that the future results indicated, whether expressed or implied, will be achieved. While sometimes presented with numerical specificity, all such forecasts are based upon a variety of assumptions that may not be realized, and which are highly variable. Because of the number and range of the assumptions underlying any such forecasts, many of which are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies that are beyond the reasonable control of the issuing company, many of the assumptions inevitably will not materialize and unanticipated events and circumstances may occur subsequent to the date of any financial forecast.
ARMR Sciences Inc. takes no responsibility for any forecasts contained within the Presentation. None of the information contained in any offering materials should be regarded as a representation by ARMR Sciences Inc. The Company’s forecasts have not been prepared with a view toward public disclosure or compliance with the guidelines of the SEC, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Independent public accountants have not examined nor compiled any forecasts and have not expressed an opinion or assurance with respect to the figures.
This Presentation also contains estimates and other statistical data made by independent parties and by management relating to market size and other data about our industry. This data involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to such estimates.
ARMR Sciences Inc. is currently undertaking a private placement offering of Offered Shares pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act and/or Rule 506(c) of Regulation D promulgated thereunder. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and investment time horizon of the Company carefully before investing. The private placement memorandum relating to the offering of Securities will contain this and other information concerning the Company, including risk factors, which should be read carefully before investing.
The Securities are being offered and sold in reliance on exemptions from registration under the 1933 Act. In accordance therewith, you should be aware that (i) the Securities may be sold only to “accredited investors,” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D; (ii) the Securities will only be offered in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and will not be required to comply with specific disclosure requirements that apply to registration under the Securities Act; (iii) the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) will not pass upon the merits of or give its approval to the terms of the Securities or the offering, or the accuracy or completeness of any offering materials; (iv) the Securities will be subject to legal restrictions on transfer and resale and investors should not assume they will be able to resell their securities; and (v) investing in these Securities involves a high degree of risk, and investors should be able to bear the loss of their entire investment. Furthermore, investors must understand that such investment could be illiquid for an indefinite period of time.
The Company is “Testing the Waters” under Regulation A under the Securities Act of 1933. The Company is not under any obligation to make an offering under Regulation A. No money or other consideration is being solicited in connection with the information provided, and if sent in response, will not be accepted. No offer to buy the securities can be accepted and no part of the purchase price can be received until an offering statement on Form 1-A has been filed and until the offering statement is qualified pursuant to Regulation A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any such offer may be withdrawn or revoked, without obligation or commitment of any kind, at any time before notice of its acceptance given after the qualification date.
The securities offered using Regulation A are highly speculative and involve significant risks. The investment is suitable only for persons who can afford to lose their entire investment. Furthermore, investors must understand that such investment could be illiquid for an indefinite period of time. No public market currently exists for the securities, and if a public market develops following the offering, it may not continue. The Company intends to list its securities on a national exchange and doing so entails significant ongoing corporate obligations including but not limited to disclosure, filing and notification requirements, as well compliance with applicable continued quantitative and qualitative listing standards.
Disclosure: Owners, members, directors, and employees of carboncredits.com have/may have stock or option positions in any of the companies mentioned: None.
Carboncredits.com receives compensation for this publication and has a business relationship with any company whose stock(s) is/are mentioned in this article.
Additional disclosure: This communication serves the sole purpose of adding value to the research process and is for information only. Please do your own due diligence. Every investment in securities mentioned in publications of carboncredits.com involves risks that could lead to a total loss of the invested capital.
Please read our Full RISKS and DISCLOSURE here.
The post Politics and Prevention – Fentanyl at the Center of U.S. Security and Leadership appeared first on Carbon Credits.
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