Research and innovation

Carbon capture and storage (CCS)

With a working interest in approximately one-fifth of the world’s total carbon capture capacity, ExxonMobil is a leader in one of the most important next-generation low-greenhouse gas emissions technologies, capturing about 7 million tonnes per year of CO2. Since 1970, ExxonMobil has cumulatively captured more CO2 than any other company — accounting for more than 40 percent of cumulative CO2 captured.

CCS Technology Development

Reducing emissions with carbon capture technology

Carbon capture and storage (also referred to sometimes as carbon capture and sequestration) is the process by which carbon dioxide from power-plant combustion and other industrial sources that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere is captured, compressed and injected into underground geologic formations for safe, secure and permanent storage.

ExxonMobil is working to develop new CO2 capture technologies with a goal of reducing costs, complexity of operation and need for large initial capital allocations. For example, ExxonMobil and FuelCell Energy, Inc., have partnered to develop CO2 capture technologies using carbonate fuel cells. These novel approaches have the potential to be less costly and easier to operate than existing technologies, while being deployable in a modular fashion with applicability to multiple industry settings.

ExxonMobil is also developing sub-surface CO2 storage capability by leveraging decades of experience in the exploration, development, and production of hydrocarbon resources. This expertise is key to permanently storing CO2 deep underground in a safe and secure fashion.

 Research and development highlights
Breakthroughs like the deployment of carbonate fuel cells at power plants are essential for reducing emissions, while at the same time increasing power generation and limiting costs to consumers.
Dr. Vijay Swarup
Dr. Vijay Swarup

Vice president for research and development at ExxonMobil

6.6M

metric tons of carbon dioxide were captured by ExxonMobil for storage in 2017

All articles about carbon capture and storage

ExxonMobil expands agreement with Global Thermostat, sees promise in direct air capture technology IRVING, Texas – ExxonMobil and Global Thermostat have expanded their joint development agreement following 12 months of technical evaluation to determine the feasibility and potential scalability of Global Thermostat’s technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the air.   

Newsroom News • Sept. 21, 2020

Scrub and remove: Capturing carbon straight out of the air Global Thermostat and ExxonMobil are extending their collaboration to continue researching pathways to scale the removal of CO2 emissions from the atmosphere.

Carbon capture Energy Factor • Sept. 21, 2020

Carbon capture research travels the world ExxonMobil is working with a leading expert in Genoa, Italy, to research how fuel cells could be used to efficiently capture carbon emissions.

Carbon capture Energy Factor • Sept. 1, 2020

Planting the seed for renewable diesel ExxonMobil recently announced an agreement with alternative fuels developer Global Clean Energy to purchase renewable diesel. The engine-ready fuel will be partially derived from camelina, a plant that does not displace food crops and could have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on the road– a win-win.

Carbon capture Energy Factor • Aug. 11, 2020

Bold technologies for today and tomorrow The dual challenge of meeting the world’s energy needs while lowering greenhouse gas emissions will continue long after economies restart, businesses reopen and travel resumes.

Carbon capture Energy Factor • Aug. 4, 2020