The Role of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in Iran’s Petrochemical Industry: Insights from Japan 🇯🇵 and Canada 🇨🇦
As global warming accelerates due to rising CO₂ levels, fossil-fuel-based industries—especially petrochemicals—face increasing pressure to decarbonize. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) offers a practical solution by capturing CO₂ emissions and either converting them into useful products or storing them underground.
What is CCUS?
CCUS includes:
1. Capture – Extracting CO₂ from industrial processes or directly from the air
2. Utilization – Using CO₂ to create products like fuels, fertilizers, or construction materials
3. Storage – Injecting CO₂ into geological formations such as depleted oil fields
This technology is essential for reducing emissions in heavy industries like petrochemicals, steel, and power generation.
Japan’s Approach
Japan has advanced CCUS through projects like the Tomakomai CCS and microalgae-based CO₂ reuse. Research centers like Kyoto University partner with industries, showing how innovation and policy can align toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
Canada’s Leadership
Canada is a global leader in carbon storage, with large-scale infrastructure like the Alberta Carbon Trunk Line and Boundary Dam CCS. Its public–private model proves that environmental goals can coexist with energy development.
Iran’s Opportunity
As a top petrochemical producer, Iran faces both high CO₂ emissions and increasing global pressure. With energy-intensive processes and vulnerability to future carbon tariffs, adopting CCUS can enhance Iran’s competitiveness and sustainability.
Mohammad Mahdi Bazvand
Independent Researcher in Energy & Carbon Neutrality
mohamad.mahdi.bazvandmb@gmail.com
