A worldwide overview of carbon capture, usage and storage patents
Part of a series of short reports looking at the worldwide patenting of green technologies. This report focuses on the carbon capture, usage and storage patent landscape
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In June 2019, the UK became the first major economy to set a legally binding target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In November 2020 the UK government released a ten point plan for a green industrial revolution. Innovation has a role in helping to achieve carbon net zero and innovation may be reflected in global patenting trends.
This report is part of a series of studies relating to the technologies covered within the UK government’s ten point plan for a green industrial revolution. This report looks at the worldwide patent landscape in relation to carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS). It looks both at carbon capture and storage (CCS) in general, as well as focusing specifically on carbon capture, usage and storage. CCS is the process of capturing carbon dioxide before it enters the atmosphere and storing it long-term. A slightly different process is the capture of carbon dioxide, and its recycling for further usage. This is termed carbon capture and utilisation/usage (CCU). CCUS is a combination of both of these processes, where carbon dioxide is captured, used and any unused carbon is then stored.
The purpose of this report is to help show where in the world patenting activity is occurring. It also shows who owns these patents, as well as how patenting activity has varied over time. This report looks both at the worldwide patent landscape, as well as focusing on the patent landscape within the UK.
CCS is a significant area of patenting activity which has seen a significant increase in patent applications in recent years. Globally, this activity is led by US companies such as Exxon Mobil. Owners of patents relating to CCS are seeking protection in the US, China and in other jurisdictions such as multiple nations in Europe.
Looking specifically at the UK landscape, there appeared to be a peak in patenting activity in 2010-2014. The majority of this activity is by owners based outside of the UK, most prominently Mitsubishi Heavy. Annual patent filings by UK-based companies appeared to hit a peak in 2010, and have remained fairly steady in recent years.
When looking at CCUS, it is clear that the patterns seen both worldwide and within the UK broadly follow the same trends as seen with CCS in general. This is suggesting that innovation in CCS in general is related to innovation in CCUS. The field of CCS is rapidly developing, and as the government is investing in the development of CCUS facilities in the UK. Hence, the trends in patenting activity in this area may change over the coming years.