CARBON CAPTURE, UTILIZATION AND STORAGE (CCUS) CONFERENCE 2026

CCUS Conference 2026: Houston Hub for Carbon Management Innovation (Oct 7-8)

The CARBON CAPTURE, UTILIZATION AND STORAGE (CCUS) CONFERENCE 2026, taking place October 7-8 in Houston, Texas – the global epicenter of energy and CCUS deployment – will serve as a critical platform for advancing the technologies, policies, and business models essential for decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries and achieving net-zero goals. This premier gathering will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, investors, and technology providers to accelerate the scale-up and commercialization of CCUS.

Core Conference Content:

1. Technology Breakthroughs & Deployment:
Capture Innovations: Deep dives into next-generation capture technologies (e.g., advanced solvents, membranes, solid sorbents, direct air capture (DAC) cost reduction, modular designs) and their readiness for industrial application (power, cement, steel, hydrogen, chemicals).
Utilization Frontiers: Exploring pathways for converting captured CO2 into valuable products (fuels, chemicals, building materials, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) with a focus on permanent storage). Focus on market viability and scaling.
Storage Science & Operations: Latest on saline aquifer characterization, monitoring, verification, and accounting (MVA) techniques; advancements in CO2 transport infrastructure (pipelines, shipping); reservoir engineering for secure, long-term storage; and addressing public engagement and permitting challenges.
Integrated Systems: Discussions on optimizing the entire CCUS value chain, from point source capture to final storage/utilization.

2. Policy, Regulation & Finance:
Policy Drivers: Analysis of evolving global and US federal policies (e.g., IRA 45Q enhancements, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits, state-level initiatives) and their impact on project economics and deployment timelines.
Regulatory Frameworks: Updates on CO2 transport and injection permitting processes, environmental regulations (EPA), and the development of robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) standards.
Financing Models: Exploration of innovative financing structures (blended finance, carbon credits, green bonds, project finance) to de-risk investments and attract capital for large-scale CCUS projects.
Carbon Markets: The role of voluntary and compliance carbon markets in creating value streams for CCUS projects.

3. Market Development & Industrial Integration:
Industry Applications: Case studies and strategies for deploying CCUS in key sectors: power generation (including co-firing with hydrogen), hydrogen production (blue hydrogen), cement, steel, chemicals, and refining.
Hydrogen Synergy: The critical link between CCUS and the development of a low-carbon hydrogen economy (blue hydrogen production and CO2 management).
EOR & Beyond: Examining the evolution of EOR as a stepping stone to permanent storage and the growth of dedicated storage projects.
Supply Chain & Infrastructure: Building out the necessary CO2 transport and storage infrastructure, including hub-and-spoke models and the Gulf Coast's unique role.

4. Scaling Challenges & Future Outlook:
Cost Reduction: Strategies and targets for significantly lowering the cost of capture, transport, and storage.
Public Acceptance: Effective communication and community engagement strategies for CCUS projects.
Global Collaboration: Sharing best practices and fostering international partnerships to accelerate global CCUS deployment.
Roadmaps to 2030/2050: Setting ambitious targets and outlining actionable pathways for CCUS to meet climate goals.

Why Houston? Houston offers unparalleled access to the world's largest concentration of CCUS projects, industry expertise, policymakers, and financial institutions. The conference will leverage this ecosystem, featuring site tours (where feasible), dedicated networking sessions, and panels focused specifically on the Gulf Coast's role as a CCUS leader. Attendees will gain actionable insights, forge critical partnerships, and contribute to shaping the future of carbon management on a global scale.