Carbon capture is increasingly promoted as a climate solution, but critics argue it serves as a fig leaf for continued fossil fuel expansion. A recent letter from Prof Myles Allen and colleagues proposes licensing gasfields on condition that producers store an increasing proportion of the carbon dioxide their products generate. However, this approach overlooks critical issues, including methane leaks and staggering costs.
The Methane Oversight in Carbon Capture Plans
While the proposal focuses on CO2, methane emissions are deliberately excluded. Methane leaks throughout global fossil-fuel supply chains—during extraction, processing, liquefaction, and shipping. Satellite observations have revealed major methane plumes, showing these emissions are substantial and represent the dominant near-term climate impact for liquefied natural gas. The UN secretary general highlighted this at London Climate Week, calling for urgent action on methane.
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Why Policymakers Should Be Cautious
Policymakers must treat the carbon capture proposal with extreme caution because it fails to address these near-term impacts. The estimated £264 billion cost of CCS to the UK by 2050, derived from the Climate Change Committee’s data, cannot be dismissed. The government’s £21.7 billion funding commitment supports projects capturing just over 3 million tonnes of CO2 annually, while the Carbon Capture and Storage Association’s pipeline envisions 77 million tonnes—25 times more—suggesting the £264 billion figure may be conservative.
Comparing Carbon Capture to Renewables
| Technology | CO2 Avoided (Megatonnes, 2025) | Cost Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Solar & Wind | 2,600 | High |
| Global CCS | Under 40 | Low |
The International Energy Agency reports that solar and wind avoided 2,600 megatonnes of CO2 in 2025, while global CCS captures under 40 megatonnes—a 65-fold difference that will widen as renewables and energy storage grow faster. Moving rapidly to 100% renewables is the most cost-effective way to avoid emissions.
Job Creation Myths
CCS job figures often flatter to deceive. Construction employment provides temporary jobs, but the operational workforce is far smaller, yet public subsidy runs for 25 years. This contrasts with renewable energy, which offers sustained employment in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
Key Takeaways
- Carbon capture proposals ignore methane leaks, which are a major near-term climate threat.
- The £264 billion cost of CCS by 2050 may be underestimated, based on industry pipelines.
- Renewables avoid 65 times more CO2 than CCS at a fraction of the cost.
- CCS job creation is temporary, while renewable energy provides long-term employment.
FAQ
Why is carbon capture criticized as a fig leaf?
Critics argue carbon capture allows continued fossil fuel expansion without addressing methane emissions, making it a distraction from renewable energy adoption.
How much does carbon capture cost compared to renewables?
The UK’s CCS cost is estimated at £264 billion by 2050, while solar and wind avoid 65 times more CO2 at a lower cost, making renewables far more cost-effective.
What role do methane emissions play in carbon capture debates?
Methane leaks from fossil fuel supply chains are a major near-term climate impact, yet most carbon capture proposals exclude them, undermining their effectiveness.
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