Public Perception of Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies

In recent years, public perception of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies has emerged as a critical determinant in the realisation of large-scale climate mitigation strategies. While the technical feasibility of capturing carbon dioxide from power plants and heavy industries—and subsequently sequestering it in deep geological formations—is well established, lay familiarity remains low. Surveys and focus-group studies consistently show that communities weigh the promise of reduced emissions against concerns over safety, long-term liability and disruption. Trust in implementing institutions, clarity of governance frameworks and transparent engagement processes are repeatedly identified as central to acceptance. Moreover, the framing of CCS—as a ‘necessary bridge’, a technological fix or a complement to renewables—shapes public interpretation of its legitimacy and sustainability. Cultural associations with underlying energy sources, perceptions of naturalness and comparison with renewable alternatives further mediate support. Understanding these complex social dynamics is essential for policymakers and industry to tailor communication, foster trust and integrate CCS effectively into broader energy-transition pathways.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated that the framing of CCS—whether as a techno-fix, a waste-utilisation process or part of a broader systemic intervention—significantly affects public support. Pairing CCS with utilisation narratives increases acceptability, while emphasising deployment costs can dampen enthusiasm unless contextualised within the wider economics of energy transition. These findings underscore the importance of targeted communication strategies that align messages with audience values and present CCS alongside alternative sustainability pathways to foster informed deliberation and trust.

Public Perception of Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in public perception of carbon capture and storage technologies across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Carbon capture and storage (CCS): A suite of technologies for capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial or energy processes and permanently storing them in geological formations to prevent atmospheric release.

Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS): An expanded approach that converts captured carbon dioxide into useful products before or after storage, integrating utilisation pathways into the mitigation strategy.

Social acceptance: The degree to which various publics support or oppose the deployment of a given technology, influenced by perceptions of risk, benefits, trust and fairness.

References

1. Uncovering opinions on the unfamiliar: Investigating the attitude atmosphere around CCUS through media discourses. Journal of Cleaner Production (2024).
2. Public perception of carbon capture and storage: A state-of-the-art overview. Heliyon (2019).
3. Framing effects on public support for carbon capture and storage. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (2019).
4. Ambivalence, naturalness and normality in public perceptions of carbon capture and storage in biomass, fossil energy, and industrial applications in the United Kingdom. Energy Research & Social Science (2018).
5. The Social Acceptance of Carbon Dioxide Utilisation: A Review and Research Agenda. Frontiers in Energy Research (2017).
6. A comprehensive framework for feasibility of CCUS deployment: A meta-review of literature on factors impacting CCUS deployment. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control (2023).