Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS)

What is Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS)?

Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) refers to the suite of technologies that capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial or energy-related sources, utilise it in various applications, or store it underground in geological formations. It is one of the most important decarbonisation technologies being explored today. 

Key agreements such as the Paris Accord and net zero pledges by nations are pushing industries to adopt new technology like CCUS. Governments are incentivising projects through grants, subsidies, and carbon pricing mechanisms. As of 2024, there are over 300 operational or planned CCUS facilities globally, with increasing investments driven by climate goals. North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific lead the way, and there’s growing interest in the Middle East and Africa. Rapid technological innovation has seen advanced direct air capture (DAC) and carbon-to-value technologies gaining momentum. 

As regulations in the sector are at an early stage, governments and regulatory bodies need CCUS projects to demonstrate safety and integrity. As a trusted, independent third party, TÜV SÜD supports the development of regulations and provides advice and assurance through end-to-end due diligence at all stages of a CCUS project. In the UK, we have been involved with various Government projects related to CCUS metering. We are taking part in a multi-agency European CCUS research project – ENCASE, and participate in various ISO, BSI and CEN committees.

Explore published research undertaken by our employees at TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory

our CCUS consultancy services

We offer comprehensive support for organisations implementing carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies and conducting CCUS research projects, focusing on accurate measurement and monitoring of CO₂ throughout the entire CCUS chain.  

Flow measurement and calibration

TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory is the UK’s Designated Institute for Flow Measurement, under contract from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and part of the UK’s National Measurement System (NMS). Our facilities provide flow meter testing and calibration services to ensure precise measurement of CO₂ in various phases (gaseous, liquid, or supercritical). We can also assist with meter selection, FEED studies for CCS metering stations and regulatory monitoring and reporting compliance. 

Dispersion Modelling and Process Modelling 

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) uses computers to analyse the behaviours of fluids and physical systems. CFD modelling is used to predict the detailed three-dimensional behaviour of liquid, gas and particle flows. We can simulate complex problems which could otherwise be expensive and potentially dangerous to physically test. CFD can offer significant cost and time savings if you use it for modelling things such as: 

• CO₂ pipelines at all stages of CCS, including complex leakage scenarios, topography and flow meter performance 
• Supercritical fluids 
• Processes including estimating additional flow restrictions caused by closed stacks, heat loss through pipelines and CO₂ behaviour at the well head 
• Dispersion of leaked CO₂ 
  
  

Pipeline Packing Estimating and Allocation Measurement 

• Developing algorithms and undertaking calculations to support stock variation in CCS pipelines 
• Allocation modelling to support fiscal measurement and product yield in shared pipeline infrastructure 

Validation and verification of CCUS research project

1. Validation of CCUS Projects:

• Project Design Assessment: Evaluate the project's design, including baseline scenarios, additionality, monitoring plans, and environmental impact assessments, to ensure compliance with relevant standards and methodologies.
• Regulatory Alignment: Help you ensure that the project aligns with international standards such as ISO 14064-2 and programme-specific requirements like the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) or the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) or Global Carbon Council (GCC).
  
  

2. Verification of Emission Reductions:

• Data Monitoring and Measurement:  Assess the monitoring systems and measurement techniques used to quantify captured and stored CO₂ emissions.
• Emission Reduction Calculation: Verify the accuracy of emission reduction calculations to confirm that the reported reductions are real, measurable, and permanent.
• Periodic Assessments: Conduct regular verifications to ensure ongoing compliance and to validate continuous emission reductions over the project's life cycle.
  
  

3. Accreditation and Compliance:

International Accreditation: TÜV SÜD is accredited under ISO 14065 for the validation and verification of greenhouse gas assertions, ensuring adherence to high standards of impartiality and competence.
  

4. Digital Verification Initiatives:

Innovative Partnerships: Partnered with SustainCERT to develop a digital verification platform, using data science and AI to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and credibility of the validation and verification process.

Get started with TÜV SÜD. Start your CCUS journey with us. 

Why Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) is important

Carbon management solutions such as CCUS are critical for achieving net-zero emissions by offsetting residual emissions in hard-to-abate sectors such as cement, steel, and chemicals. Adopting decarbonisation technologies such as CCUS demonstrates environmental responsibility, bolsters brand reputation, and attracts ESG-focused investors.

CCUS further helps to achieve following:

• Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Helps achieve net-zero targets.
• Supports Hard-to-Decarbonize Industries – Steel, cement, and chemicals rely on CCUS for emission reductions.
• Enhances Energy Security – Can be used to produce clean fuels like hydrogen.
• Aligns with Climate Policies – Many governments and climate agreements (e.g., Paris Agreement) promote CCUS as a key tool.

Governments are setting sector-specific CO₂ emission limits, making CCUS a compliance tool that helps companies avoid potential penalties related to carbon taxes. In addition, companies are increasingly adopting CCUS to meet voluntary science-based targets.

Challenges faced in the sector include complexity of regulations and permitting processes, compliance with environmental standards, lack of geological data for suitable carbon storage sites, and concerns about leakage, monitoring, and long-term liability. Our trusted independent expertise can guide stakeholders through these challenges in the long and short term.

How we can help you with CCUS consultancy

We provide comprehensive support for CCUS research projects, ensuring accurate measurement, monitoring, and verification of CO₂ emissions. Our expertise covers technical advisory; flow measurement research, testing and calibration; physical property analysis; and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling to optimise CO₂ capture, transport, and storage.  
  
We provide end-to-end validation and verification for CCUS projects, ensuring compliance with global standards such as ISO 27914 (carbon dioxide capture, transport, and storage). This ensures that your projects meet regulatory and environmental requirements. We also offer validation and verification services aligned with international standards such as ISO 14064-2 and international carbon credit programs, ensuring regulatory compliance and credibility. 

With a global network of experts and a strong local presence, we combine international best practices with regional regulatory needs, streamlining approval processes for CCUS projects across jurisdictions. Our reputation for impartiality and reliability improves stakeholder confidence in your CCUS initiatives, reducing perceived risks for investors and regulatory bodies. Our experts offer cross-disciplinary capabilities. Combining expertise in engineering, environmental impact assessment, and technical advisory, we offer integrated solutions for assessing CCUS feasibility, safety, and long-term sustainability.