Discover A Career in The

Carbon capture

Sector

Carbon capture is about stopping carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere and using smart technology to reduce climate change. It’s a fast-growing field where science, engineering, and innovation come together to protect the planet and create a cleaner future.

Carbon capture can take carbon dioxide out of the air and reuse it to make things like concrete or fuel, instead of letting it harm the planet.

Capturing Carbon. Shaping the Future.

Carbon capture is a growing sector focused on reducing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. It works by capturing CO₂ from places like power stations, factories, and hydrogen production sites, before it can contribute to climate change. The captured carbon is then transported and stored safely deep underground, often beneath the seabed, or reused in new products. In the UK, this storage is planned mainly under the North Sea, using rock formations that have securely held oil and gas for millions of years.

This sector brings together people from many different backgrounds. Engineers design and build the systems that capture and move carbon safely. Scientists study how CO₂ behaves underground and develop new ways to capture it more efficiently. Technicians, construction workers, and project managers help turn these ideas into real, working infrastructure. There are also roles in digital technology, data analysis, environmental monitoring, and safety, making carbon capture a truly multidisciplinary career area.

Carbon capture is especially important for industries that are hard to decarbonise, such as cement, steel, and chemicals. These industries are essential to everyday life, but they produce emissions that are difficult to eliminate. By capturing carbon at the source, the sector helps protect jobs while cutting emissions, supporting a fair and realistic transition to a low-carbon economy.

For young people, carbon capture offers the chance to work on solutions that have a real impact. You could be involved in building large-scale infrastructure, running advanced control systems, testing new materials in a lab, or monitoring underground storage sites to make sure they remain safe. Many roles start with apprenticeships, technical training, college courses, or university degrees, offering clear pathways into the industry.

As the UK invests in clean energy and climate solutions, carbon capture is set to play a key role in reaching net zero targets. Careers in this sector are not just about technology — they are about problem-solving, teamwork, and protecting the future. If you want a career where your work matters, carbon capture is a place where you can help make a lasting difference.