The organisation’s Global Status of CCS 2026 report found that 113 commercial CCS facilities were operational worldwide as of 31 July 2026, with a further 59 projects under construction and 660 in development. Total capture capacity across the project pipeline reached 522mn t/y, while operational capacity rose 6% year-on-year to 68mn t/y.

New projects added to the pipeline averaged around 0.5mn t/y of capture capacity, according to the report. The 59 projects under construction represent a further 56mn t/y, which could increase global operational capacity by around 82% to more than 100mn t/y as they enter service.

Dedicated CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure is becoming an increasingly important part of the market, accounting for 266 projects, or 32% of the global pipeline. The report highlighted the emergence of ‘storage as a service’ business models, citing the start of commercial operations at the Northern Lights transport and storage network in 2025 and growing demand for transport and storage agreements in the US.

Private-sector financing activity also continued to develop. The report pointed to a €50mn CCS bond issued to support the Porthos project in the Netherlands and more than £500mn in financing secured by Eni CCUS Holding from international lenders.

Regionally, the Americas remained the largest CCS market, with 63 operating projects and more than 48mn t/y of operational capture capacity. Europe had 15 operational projects and 21 under construction. Its capture capacity could reach 141mn t/y if all announced developments proceed, according to the report.

The report also highlighted continued policy support for CCS across several regions. New permits, licences and regulatory measures were introduced in countries including Denmark, Greece, Malaysia, the Netherlands and the US, while Japan launched its GX-ETS emissions trading scheme in April 2026, while CCS is now included in national carbon markets in five countries.

In China, the government’s 15th five-year plan includes a target of injecting 10mn t/y of CO₂ by 2030, while new CCS standards came into effect in July. In addition, state-owned company Huaneng Power commissioned a 1.5mn t/y facility at Zhengning Power Plant in Gansu Province.

Commenting on the findings, Jarad Daniels, CEO, Global CCS Institute, said: ‘The next phase of CCS is about delivery: turning project momentum into operating infrastructure through durable policy, clear regulation and bankable commercial models.’

Wood Mackenzie forecasts $211bn CO₂ transport market by 2060

Global investment in CO₂ transport infrastructure could reach $211bn by 2060, enabling the movement of 3bn t/y of CO₂ worldwide, according to Wood Mackenzie. Around 200mn t/y is expected to cross international borders, as transport networks support carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) projects.

Asia Pacific is forecast to account for almost 60% of global investment, driven by large projected CO₂ volumes and long transport distances. More than 80% of transport investment is expected to go towards pipelines connecting industrial emitters with onshore and offshore storage sites.

‘Geography sets the transport challenge, while economics determines whether CO₂ moves by pipe, ship or both,’ said Stephanie Chiang, Senior Research Analyst, CCUS, Wood Mackenzie.

The report says the mismatch between CO₂ volumes and domestic storage availability is driving the development of cross-border CO₂ trade and liquefied CO₂ shipping, particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific.

By 2060, demand for cross-border CO₂ transport from Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan could reach 164mn t/y, compared with 187mn t/y of storage capacity across Australia and Southeast Asia. Wood Mackenzie identifies Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia as potential storage hubs serving demand from further north.

Japan faces a particular challenge because of its limited domestic storage potential.  

Wood Mackenzie also identifies the potential to repurpose existing gas pipelines for CO₂ transport. This could reduce capital expenditure by more than 60% and halve total transport costs, although the consultancy says not all existing infrastructure will be suitable for conversion.

In Europe, CO₂ transport and storage projects are also advancing. In the UK, Eni CCUS Holding announced the completion of the offshore platform installation at the Liverpool Bay CCS project in October. In Italy, the Ravenna CCS Phase 2 project was selected for support under the European Innovation Fund.

Wood Mackenzie says policy and regulation will be important in determining whether cross-border CCS networks are developed. Permitting delays, land acquisition challenges and regulatory uncertainty can increase pipeline costs, while gaps in bilateral agreements, liability frameworks and economic incentives continue to limit cross-border networks.