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 reinvention of an entire industry. In my work advising energy companies and government agencies, I’ve seen firsthand how carbon capture is evolving from a niche technology to a central pillar of global climate strategy. The current landscape is fragmented, with pilot projects and early commercial deployments scattered across different industries. But what fascinates me as a futurist is how quickly this space is accelerating. We’re moving from carbon capture as an environmental obligation to carbon capture as an economic opportunity. The World Economic Forum estimates that carbon capture, utilization, and storage could become a $4 trillion market by 2050, and I believe we’re seeing the early stages of this transformation unfold right now. The companies that understand this shift today will be the market leaders of tomorrow.
Main Content: Top Three Business Challenges
Challenge 1: The Economics of Scale and Implementation
The single biggest barrier I’ve observed in my consulting work with energy companies is the fundamental economic challenge. Current carbon capture technologies remain expensive, with McKinsey & Company reporting that carbon capture costs can range from $50 to $120 per ton depending on the source and technology. This creates a massive implementation gap—the technology exists, but the business case often doesn’t stack up without significant subsidies or carbon pricing mechanisms. I’ve sat in boardrooms where executives acknowledge the environmental imperative but struggle to justify the capital expenditure. The Harvard Business Review recently highlighted that while 85% of Fortune 500 companies have net-zero commitments, fewer than 20% have viable pathways to achieve them, largely due to cost constraints in technologies like carbon capture. This economic reality is slowing adoption at precisely the moment we need acceleration.
Challenge 2: Technological Integration and Infrastructure Gaps
In my experience working with industrial manufacturers, the integration challenge is often underestimated. Carbon capture isn’t just about installing equipment at a single facility—it requires complete rethinking of industrial processes and supporting infrastructure. Deloitte’s energy transition research shows that nearly 70% of potential carbon capture projects face significant infrastructure challenges, particularly around transportation and storage. I’ve seen projects stall because the capture technology works, but there’s no viable way to transport the CO2 or no certified storage site within economic distance. The World Economic Forum emphasizes that building this infrastructure requires unprecedented coordination between private companies, governments, and communities. We’re not just talking about technical integration; we’re talking about ecosystem integration at a scale we’ve rarely attempted.
Challenge 3: Regulatory Uncertainty and Public Perception
Perhaps the most complex challenge I’ve witnessed in my global work is the regulatory landscape. According to PwC’s energy transition analysis, regulatory frameworks for carbon capture vary dramatically across jurisdictions, creating uncertainty that discourages investment. I’ve advised companies that have put projects on hold simply because they can’t navigate the patchwork of local, national, and international regulations. Meanwhile, public perception remains a significant hurdle. Accenture’s research indicates that while 65% of people support climate action, only 35% actively support carbon capture projects in their communities. This “not in my backyard” mentality, combined with lingering skepticism about the technology’s effectiveness, creates a perfect storm of resistance that can delay projects for years.
Solutions and Innovations
The good news is that innovation is accelerating faster than most people realize. In my research and consulting, I’m seeing several breakthrough approaches that are changing the game.
Next-Generation Capture Technologies
First, next-generation capture technologies are dramatically reducing costs. Companies like Carbon Engineering are developing direct air capture systems that could eventually bring costs below $100 per ton. I’ve toured facilities where new solvent-based systems are cutting energy requirements by 30-40% compared to first-generation technology.
Carbon Utilization and Revenue Streams
Second, carbon utilization is creating new revenue streams. Rather than treating CO2 as waste to be buried, companies are finding ways to transform it into valuable products. According to the Global CO2 Initiative, the market for products made from captured carbon could reach $800 billion by 2030. I’m particularly excited about companies like LanzaTech that are converting industrial emissions into sustainable fuels and chemicals.
Digitalization and AI Optimization
Third, digitalization and AI are optimizing entire carbon capture value chains. In my work with technology providers, I’ve seen how machine learning algorithms can predict optimal capture conditions, reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency. Digital twins of capture facilities allow for virtual testing and optimization before physical implementation.
Modular and Scalable Solutions
Fourth, modular and scalable solutions are making carbon capture accessible to smaller emitters. Instead of billion-dollar projects, we’re seeing standardized, factory-built units that can be deployed more quickly and cost-effectively. This democratization of technology is crucial for broader adoption.
The Future: Projections and Forecasts
Looking ahead, my analysis suggests we’re on the cusp of a carbon capture revolution. BloombergNEF projects that the global carbon capture market will grow from $2.5 billion in 2022 to over $55 billion by 2030. But I believe these estimates may be conservative.
Gigaton-Scale Projects (2028)
By 2028, I predict we’ll see the first gigaton-scale carbon capture projects coming online, driven by advances in materials science and process engineering. These will be followed by what I call “carbon capture 2.0″—systems that not only capture carbon but convert it into high-value materials at competitive prices.
Integrated Carbon Management Ecosystems (2030-2035)
Between 2030 and 2035, I foresee the emergence of integrated carbon management ecosystems. Instead of standalone capture facilities, we’ll have smart networks that dynamically route CO2 to the most valuable use or most secure storage based on real-time market conditions and capacity availability.
Climate Impact Contribution
The International Energy Agency scenarios suggest carbon capture could account for 15% of cumulative emissions reductions by 2070. However, if current innovation trends continue, I believe this contribution could be significantly higher. We’re likely to see carbon capture become a standard feature of industrial design, much like wastewater treatment became standard for manufacturing facilities in the 20th century.
Transformative Scenarios
What if carbon capture becomes cheaper than carbon taxes? What if captured carbon becomes more valuable as a feedstock than as emissions are costly? These are the scenarios forward-thinking companies should be preparing for now.
Final Take: 10-Year Outlook
Over the next decade, carbon capture will transform from an environmental compliance cost to a core business opportunity. Companies that master carbon management will gain competitive advantages through lower compliance costs, new revenue streams, and enhanced brand value. The regulatory landscape will mature, creating clearer investment signals, while technological advances will drive costs down by 40-60%. The biggest winners will be those who integrate carbon capture into their business models today, rather than waiting for perfect market conditions. The risks of delay are substantial—companies that lag in adoption may face stranded assets, regulatory penalties, and irreversible market share losses to more agile competitors.
Ian Khan’s Closing
The future of carbon capture isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about building the next generation of sustainable industries. As I often say in my keynotes, “The companies that see carbon as an opportunity today will define the economies of tomorrow.”
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
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.
