Carbon Capture 101
What is carbon capture, how does it work, and what to consider before starting a project.
What is carbon capture?
Carbon capture is the process of separating CO2 from industrial gas streams and preparing it for permanent storage or selected uses.
In many industrial settings, this means capturing CO2 from flue gas at large point sources, such as cement plants, waste-to-energy facilities, bioenergy plants, gas-fired power generation, pulp and paper production, and other industrial processes.
The right solution depends on the CO2 source, site conditions, available energy, required CO2 quality, and the intended storage or utilization route.
Carbon capture matters
Industrial emissions are among the most difficult to address. Many facilities produce CO2 as part of essential industrial processes, not only from energy use. In these sectors, electrification, fuel switching, and energy efficiency may reduce emissions, but they may not address all CO2 released from the site.
Carbon capture can address remaining emissions directly at the source. For some process emissions, it is not only an additional decarbonization option, but a necessary route to emissions reduction.
For industrial companies, carbon capture can support:
- CO2 emissions reduction from existing operations
- Carbon removal when biogenic CO2 is captured and permanently stored
- Compliance with tightening climate and emissions requirements
- Development of lower-emission products and industrial value chains
- Long-term decarbonization strategies
- Continued operation of essential industrial assets while reducing climate impact
SLB Capturi works with industrial emitters to turn these objectives into executable projects through proven technology, modular plant solutions, and experience from real carbon capture deployments.
Terminology explained
Carbon capture is often used together with several related terms. Understanding the difference is important when evaluating project options.CCS
Carbon Capture and Storage
Carbon capture and storage means CO2 is captured, transported, and permanently stored in secure geological formations. CCS is typically used when the objective is permanent emissions reduction or carbon removal.
CCUS
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage is a broader term. It includes projects where captured CO2 is either permanently stored or used in selected applications.
CCU
Carbon Capture and Utilization
Carbon capture and utilization means captured CO2 is used as an input to products, industrial processes, building materials, synthetic fuels, or other applications. The climate impact depends on the CO2 source, the application, and whether the CO2 is stored permanently or later released.
CDR
Carbon Dioxide Removal
Carbon dioxide removal means removing CO2 from the atmosphere. In industrial carbon capture, this can happen when biogenic CO2 is captured and permanently stored.
How carbon capture works in simple terms
Most carbon capture projects include four main steps:1. Capture
2. Conditioning
3. Transport
4. Storage or utilization
What to consider before starting a carbon capture project
A carbon capture project depends on the full site, value chain, and business context. Early decisions on technology, integration, layout, and execution model can influence project cost, schedule, risk, and long-term performance.
SLB Capturi’s approach is built on proven carbon capture technology, modular plant design, and project execution experience, helping industrial emitters move from early assessment toward implementation with greater confidence.
Flue gas composition
The composition, flow rate, temperature, and pressure of the gas stream influence technology selection, plant design, and expected performance.
Capture capacity
The required capture capacity depends on the facility’s emissions profile, reduction targets, operating hours, and project scope.
Site layout and footprint
The capture plant must be integrated with existing equipment, utilities, access routes, and safety requirements. Modular plant concepts can help reduce onsite complexity and support more predictable project execution.
Energy and heat integration
Carbon capture requires energy. Efficient integration with the host facility can reduce energy demand and improve overall project performance.
CO2 specifications
The captured CO2 must meet the requirements of the transport, storage, or utilization pathway, including quality, pressure, and temperature specifications.
Transport and storage access
A project needs a route for the CO2 after capture. Pipeline, shipping, truck transport, utilization outlets, or storage infrastructure can shape the project concept.
Project execution model
Successful delivery requires coordination between the industrial site, technology provider, engineering partners, transport and storage providers, regulators, and financing stakeholders. Experience from delivered projects can reduce uncertainty and support better decisions through each phase.
Long-term operation
Reliable operation depends on maintenance, monitoring, operator training, solvent management, and aftermarket support. Selecting a technology partner with operational experience can support performance over the plant lifetime.
Environmental requirements
Carbon capture plants must be designed to meet applicable emissions and environmental requirements, including safe operation and management of waste streams and emissions to air.
Local communities
Information is shared in local communities to ensure laws and regulations are included in capture plant plans. Work is safely executed and plant is operated with local communities and environment in mind.
From early assessment to project development
Many companies begin with a simple question: is carbon capture relevant for our facility? The answer depends on the emissions source, site conditions, business case, and access to CO2 transport, storage, or utilization options. Addressing these questions early helps companies move from initial screening to feasibility, front-end engineering, and project development with greater confidence.
SLB Capturi supports customers across this journey, from early technical assessment to modular and large-scale carbon capture plant solutions.
How SLB Capturi can support
SLB Capturi supports industrial emitters on their journey from carbon capture ambition to project development and deployment.
Our core technology platform is Advanced Carbon Capture™ (ACC™), an amine-based post-combustion technology for industrial flue gases. It is the basis for our standardized, modular Just Catch™ carbon capture plants and large-scale Big Catch™ solutions.
We combine proven technology with modular plant design and industrial project experience. This enables customers to evaluate, develop, and implement carbon capture projects with a clearer understanding of technical requirements, integration needs, and execution risks.
For customers with medium-scale emissions, the standardized, modular Just Catch™ carbon capture plants offer a repeatable plant concept designed to simplify deployment. For larger and more complex facilities, Big Catch™ provides a large-scale solution engineered around site-specific requirements.
