Carbon Capture in 2035: My Predictions as a Technology Futurist
Opening Summary
According to the International Energy Agency, global carbon capture capacity needs to increase by a factor of 100 by 2050 to meet climate goals. That’s not just growth—that’s a complete transformation of an entire industry. In my work with energy companies and sustainability leaders, I’ve seen firsthand how carbon capture is evolving from a niche technology to a critical climate solution. The current landscape is fragmented, with pilot projects and early commercial facilities operating alongside ambitious government initiatives and private sector investments. What fascinates me most is how quickly this space is maturing—we’re moving from theoretical discussions to practical implementation at scale. The World Economic Forum notes that carbon capture, utilization, and storage could create a $4 trillion market by 2050, representing one of the most significant economic opportunities of our lifetime. As a futurist who has advised Fortune 500 companies on their digital transformation journeys, I believe we’re witnessing the birth of an entirely new industrial ecosystem that will fundamentally reshape how we approach emissions reduction and create unprecedented business opportunities.
Main Content: Top Three Business Challenges
Challenge 1: The Economic Viability Gap
The single biggest barrier I’ve observed in my consulting work is the economic challenge. Carbon capture technologies remain expensive, with current costs ranging from $50 to $100 per ton of CO2 captured. As McKinsey & Company reports, achieving cost reductions of 30-50% is essential for widespread adoption. What many business leaders don’t realize is that this isn’t just about technology costs—it’s about the entire value chain. I’ve worked with companies that invested in capture technology only to discover they lacked the infrastructure for transport and storage. The Harvard Business Review recently highlighted how this “middle mile” problem—getting captured carbon from source to storage—represents a massive logistical and financial challenge. Until we solve the complete economic equation, from capture to utilization or storage, widespread adoption will remain elusive.
Challenge 2: Scalability and Infrastructure Limitations
Current carbon capture projects are operating at a scale that’s orders of magnitude smaller than what’s needed. Deloitte research shows that we need to increase current capture capacity by 120 times by 2050 to meet climate targets. In my strategic foresight work with energy companies, I’ve seen how the infrastructure gap creates a chicken-and-egg problem: without sufficient capture capacity, pipeline networks don’t make economic sense, and without pipeline networks, individual capture projects struggle to find cost-effective storage solutions. The World Economic Forum emphasizes that building the necessary infrastructure will require unprecedented public-private collaboration and investment. What concerns me most is the timeline—we’re not just building new infrastructure; we’re creating an entirely new industrial ecosystem from the ground up.
Challenge 3: Regulatory Uncertainty and Public Perception
The regulatory landscape for carbon capture remains fragmented and uncertain across different jurisdictions. In my global consulting practice, I’ve seen how this uncertainty creates investment risk and slows deployment. PwC’s analysis shows that inconsistent carbon pricing mechanisms and unclear liability frameworks for stored CO2 create significant barriers. Beyond regulation, public perception presents another challenge. Many communities remain skeptical about the safety and effectiveness of carbon capture, particularly regarding storage. As Accenture notes in their energy transition research, building public trust through transparent communication and demonstrated safety records is crucial for project success. What I’ve observed is that winning public acceptance requires more than just technical assurances—it demands genuine community engagement and shared value creation.
Solutions and Innovations
The good news is that innovation is accelerating across the carbon capture ecosystem. From my front-row seat watching emerging technologies, I’m particularly excited about several developments.
First, next-generation capture technologies are dramatically reducing costs. Companies like Carbon Engineering are developing direct air capture systems that could eventually capture CO2 for under $100 per ton. These advanced systems use novel sorbents and process optimizations to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Second, carbon utilization is creating new revenue streams. I’ve advised companies that are turning captured carbon into valuable products—from building materials to fuels and chemicals. This transforms carbon from a waste product into a valuable commodity, creating economic incentives for capture beyond regulatory compliance.
Third, digital technologies are optimizing operations. Artificial intelligence and IoT sensors are enabling real-time monitoring and optimization of capture processes, reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency. Machine learning algorithms can predict optimal operating conditions and identify maintenance needs before failures occur.
Leading organizations are already implementing these solutions. Occidental Petroleum is building the world’s largest direct air capture facility in Texas, while companies like Microsoft are investing in carbon removal as part of their climate commitments. What excites me most is how these innovations are creating new business models and revenue opportunities beyond just compliance. The most forward-thinking companies are viewing carbon capture not as a cost center but as a strategic opportunity to create value and competitive advantage.
The Future: Projections and Forecasts
Based on my analysis of technology adoption curves and market trends, I project that carbon capture will experience exponential growth over the next decade. McKinsey estimates the carbon capture market could reach $1.5 trillion by 2050, with the most rapid growth occurring between 2025 and 2035. What many business leaders miss is that this isn’t just about climate compliance—it’s about creating entirely new industries and business models.
Here’s what I foresee based on my futurist methodology: By 2028, we’ll see the first carbon capture facilities operating at gigaton scale. By 2032, carbon utilization will become a $200 billion market, with captured CO2 being transformed into everything from sustainable aviation fuel to carbon-negative concrete. The World Economic Forum predicts that carbon capture could create 10 million jobs globally by 2040, representing one of the largest job creation opportunities of the energy transition.
The technological breakthroughs I’m tracking suggest even more radical transformation. Quantum computing could revolutionize capture material design, while advanced robotics could enable autonomous monitoring of storage sites. What’s often overlooked in these projections is the convergence of technologies—how AI, blockchain for carbon accounting, and advanced materials will combine to create systems far more efficient than anything we have today.
Final Take: 10-Year Outlook
Over the next decade, carbon capture will evolve from a climate solution to a fundamental industrial capability. Companies that master carbon management will gain significant competitive advantages, while those that ignore this transformation risk being left behind. The most significant shift will be the emergence of carbon as a valuable commodity rather than a waste product. We’ll see new business models emerge around carbon removal services, carbon utilization products, and carbon management platforms. The organizations that thrive will be those that view carbon capture not as compliance but as opportunity—the chance to create new revenue streams, enhance brand value, and build resilience in a carbon-constrained world.
Ian Khan’s Closing
In my two decades of studying technological transformation, I’ve never seen an industry with more potential for positive impact. Carbon capture represents one of humanity’s most promising tools for addressing climate change while creating economic opportunity. As I often tell the leaders I work with: “The future belongs to those who see opportunity where others see obligation.”
To dive deeper into the future of Carbon Capture and gain actionable insights for your organization, I invite you to:
- Read my bestselling books on digital transformation and future readiness
- Watch my Amazon Prime series ‘The Futurist’ for cutting-edge insights
- Book me for a keynote presentation, workshop, or strategic leadership intervention to prepare your team for what’s ahead
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About Ian Khan
Ian Khan is a globally recognized keynote speaker, bestselling author, and prolific thinker and thought leader on emerging technologies and future readiness. Shortlisted for the prestigious Thinkers50 Future Readiness Award, Ian has advised Fortune 500 companies, government organizations, and global leaders on navigating digital transformation and building future-ready organizations. Through his keynote presentations, bestselling books, and Amazon Prime series “The Futurist,” Ian helps organizations worldwide understand and prepare for the technologies shaping our tomorrow.
