The carbon capture industry is relatively new and requires expertise across various fields. In today’s blog, and based on several requests, we take a look at the main skills needed:

1. Engineering and Technical Knowledge

Carbon capture relies on systems that can capture, store, and sometimes reuse CO₂ emissions. Engineers, especially those specializing in chemical, mechanical, or environmental disciplines, are needed to design, maintain, and improve these systems. Understanding fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering helps to optimize the processes involved in capturing and storing carbon.

Engineers also play a role in developing storage solutions, such as pipelines or geological formations for long-term CO₂ containment, and ensuring these systems operate safely.

2. Environmental Science and Chemistry

Professionals with a background in environmental science or chemistry help manage the broader environmental impacts of carbon capture. They work on developing materials that can absorb or convert CO₂ more efficiently and assess the environmental suitability of carbon storage sites. This knowledge ensures that captured carbon is safely stored without negative effects on surrounding ecosystems.

3. Data Management and Monitoring

Data collection and monitoring are essential for assessing the performance of carbon capture systems. Skills in data analysis, software development, and sensor technology are important for creating systems that track emissions and storage integrity. Engineers and data scientists are involved in setting up real-time monitoring and ensuring the systems remain safe and effective.

4. Project Management and Legal Compliance

Carbon capture projects are large-scale and involve significant coordination. Effective project management is necessary to handle budgets, timelines, and teams. Additionally, the carbon capture sector is subject to environmental regulations, so knowledge of compliance with international agreements, safety standards, and carbon credits is important.

5. Research and Development

Since the carbon capture industry is still evolving, ongoing research is essential to improve efficiency and lower costs. Scientists and engineers working in research and development explore new technologies and methods to advance the industry, including finding ways to repurpose captured carbon.

Long-Term Viability: Is Carbon Capture a Sustainable Career Option?

While the skills required for carbon capture may currently be in some demand, there is ongoing debate about the long-term sustainability of the industry. As global energy production shifts towards renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen, the need for carbon capture will likely diminish. In a future where fossil fuels are no longer widely used, carbon capture might only play a limited role in decarbonizing specific industries, like steel or cement, which are currently difficult to power but only with existing renewable tech.

This shift in focus raises a critical question: is it better to invest you learning time in understanding how to capture carbon from fossil fuels, or should your efforts be directed toward understanding the ways and means to transition to a global economy powered by renewable energy? The best way to decide is to analyse where the bulk of human innovation and energy is currently being focussed: Is it in optimising renewable technologies for a cleaner future, or in keeping 20th century energy methods alive?