How Oil Companies Use Carbon Capture: Green Solution or Just Greenwashing?

Carbon capture is often promoted as a groundbreaking tool to fight climate change. Oil and gas companies, in particular, have invested millions into carbon capture projects, presenting them as proof of their commitment to a greener future. But is this truly a climate solution—or a clever way to maintain business as usual under the disguise of sustainability? Let’s dig deeper into how oil companies use carbon capture, its benefits, limitations, and whether it’s genuinely reducing emissions or just polishing corporate images.

Introduction

Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s here. Rising global temperatures, frequent heatwaves, and extreme weather have made the push for solutions more urgent than ever. Among the many technologies being discussed, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has emerged as a controversial option. Oil companies, often criticized for being the biggest polluters, are now branding themselves as part of the solution by funding CCS projects.

The big question is: are they really contributing to climate action, or is this just another form of greenwashing to delay meaningful change?

What Is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?

Carbon Capture and Storage is a process designed to trap carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions before they enter the atmosphere. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Capture: CO₂ is captured from industrial processes or directly from power plants that burn fossil fuels.
2. Transport: The captured CO₂ is compressed and transported—usually through pipelines.
3. Storage/Use: It is then injected deep underground into geological formations or reused in other processes.

On paper, this looks like a great way to reduce emissions without completely shutting down industries. But the story changes when oil companies step into the picture.

Why Oil Companies Are Investing in CCS

Oil companies highlight CCS as their flagship sustainability project. Some of their common claims include:

• Reducing carbon footprint: By capturing emissions, they say they are offsetting their environmental impact.
• Extending fossil fuel use: They argue that fossil fuels can remain part of the global energy mix while still reducing emissions.
• Supporting “net zero” goals: Many oil giants use CCS as a core part of their climate pledges.

At first glance, it sounds like progress. But the deeper you look, the more complicated—and concerning—it becomes.

The Hidden Reality: Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

One of the main uses of captured carbon dioxide is Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). This process injects CO₂ into old oil fields to push out additional barrels of oil that couldn’t be extracted before.

• Instead of storing the carbon safely, much of it is reused to pump more fossil fuels out of the ground.
• This creates a cycle: burning more oil → producing more CO₂ → claiming to capture it → using it for even more oil.

So while companies promote CCS as a solution, in practice it often becomes a tool to prolong oil dependence—not reduce it.

Green Solution or Greenwashing?

The Case for Green Solution

• CCS can genuinely reduce emissions from industries that are hard to decarbonize (like cement or steel).
• If used purely for storage, it can help meet climate targets.
• It provides a bridge solution while renewable energy expands.

The Case for Greenwashing

• Oil companies use CCS more to justify ongoing fossil fuel production than to transition away from it.
• A large share of captured CO₂ ends up fueling Enhanced Oil Recovery rather than permanent storage.
• CCS projects are often funded with public money or subsidies, raising concerns about who benefits most—the planet or corporations.
• The technology is still expensive and captures only a small fraction of global emissions compared to what’s needed.

The Bigger Picture: What We Should Learn as Consumers

For readers and everyday consumers, the lesson here is clear:

Push for accountability. Governments and watchdogs need to ensure CCS is used responsibly—not as a marketing tool.

Look beyond corporate ads. When companies showcase their “green projects,” ask where the captured carbon actually goes.

Support systemic change. True climate solutions lie in reducing fossil fuel dependency through renewables, efficiency, and sustainable innovation.

Conclusion

Carbon Capture Technology has potential. It could be a valuable piece of the puzzle in tackling climate change—but not if it’s misused. When oil companies use it primarily for Enhanced Oil Recovery, it leans more towards greenwashing than a genuine solution.

The real path forward requires transparency, accountability, and prioritizing renewable energy. Until then, we should view oil companies’ CCS claims with caution. What’s marketed as a green solution might just be another way to keep fossil fuels flowing.

Read More: The Cognitive Benefits of Bilingualism: How Two Languages Boost Brain Power