Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is a process that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes and either reuses or stores it so it will not enter the atmosphere. CCUS is sometimes discussed collectively as carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS). The process involves three steps: capturing the carbon dioxide produced by power generation or industrial activity, transporting it, and then storing it deep underground. CCUS differs from carbon capture and storage (CCS) in that CCUS aims to convert the captured carbon dioxide into more valuable substances or products, such as plastics, concrete, or e-fuel, while retaining the carbon neutrality of the production processes. In contrast, CCS aims to store the captured carbon dioxide permanently in geological formations.

CCUS involves the capture of CO2, generally from large point sources like power generation or industrial facilities that use either fossil fuels or biomass. The captured CO2 is then transported via pipelines to where one intends to use it in industrial processes. The pipelines are pressurized as the only option for transporting the CO2 over long distances. The CO2 is then either reused to make things such as building materials or sent through an injection well deep underground where it is locked away safely and permanently. The carbon dioxide storage in geologic formations includes oil and gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams, and deep saline reservoirs. Most sites have an impermeable cap rock that acts as a seal to contain the CO2 permanently.

Governments can have a key role in the development of CCUS hubs by coordinating hub development through competitive solicitations that encourage collaboration across multiple sectors (e.g. industrial emitters, power plants). The Energy Department supports research and development of tools to assess the environmental fitness and safety of proposed geologic storage sites. They are also developing models that simulate the flow of stored carbon dioxide to help understand and predict chemical changes and effects of increased pressure that may occur.

In summary, CCUS is a process that captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and either reuses or stores it so it will not enter the atmosphere. The process involves capturing the carbon dioxide produced by power generation or industrial activity, transporting it, and then storing it deep underground. CCUS differs from CCS in that CCUS aims to convert the captured carbon dioxide into more valuable substances or products, while CCS aims to store the captured carbon dioxide permanently in geological formations.