The real climate impact of Blue Hydrogen and Gas-CCS 

Our report reveals that CO2 emissions from Blue Hydrogen and Gas-CCS projects could be two to three times higher than reported when considering upstream emissions from gas extraction, processing and transport. 

Proponents of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies promise that CCUS-based hydrogen (i.e., blue hydrogen) and gas power plants with CCS (i.e., gas-CCS) can offer a low-carbon solution to decarbonise industrial and power sector. 

This report evaluates the impact of upstream emissions to determine whether or not gas-based CCUS technologies could have a positive climate impact, assuming the technology would work as claimed by the CCUS industry. 

This problem is particularly important for the UK and EU which following the 2022-23 energy crisis are increasingly reliant on imported LNG, particularly from the USA. 

Download our report for free to find out more about how: 

• Blue hydrogen and gas-CCS projects are not inherently low-carbon. 
• New gas demand from CCUS will increase emissions. 
• The carbon intensity of blue hydrogen is underestimated. 
• Carbon savings from gas-CCS are overestimated.
• Environmental assessment frameworks are flawed.
• Gas-based CCUS projects can derail net zero strategies. 

Our report features a comprehensive analysis of upstream emissions from various sources and countries. It includes two case studies that highlight the flawed assumptions in the environmental applications of two planned projects in the UK. Additionally, it offers a detailed set of policy recommendations for British and European policymakers. 

In the side bar you can find a link to our newly launched data portal with a downloadable version of the charts presented in the report. 

If you have follow-up questions, please contact the author, Lorenzo Sani at lsani@carbontracker.org