November 2025

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO₂) from large emissions sources before it is released to the atmosphere. CCS is used in multiple countries, including Canada, and is one tool that can help reduce emissions from industrial sources.

How CCS works
CCS typically includes three stages:

1. Capture – CO₂ is captured from a large emissions source before it can be emitted to the atmosphere
2. Transport – Captured CO₂ is compressed into a liquid and transported through a CO₂ pipeline network
3. Storage – CO₂ is injected deep below the Earth’s surface and is stored in a sandstone storage layer. The layer is monitored to make sure the CO₂ stays in place.

Proposed Pathways Project
The proposed Pathways Project would transport captured CO₂ from multiple oil sands facilities to an underground storage hub in northern Alberta.

This fact sheet covers:

• What CCS is and why it is used
• How CO₂ is captured, transported and stored underground
• How CCS relates to emissions reduction in oil sands operations
• Key components of the Pathways Project, a proposed CO₂ transportation network and storage hub, including safety and monitoring measures