REPORTMaking Carbon CaptureStorage WorkA strategic guide to economicviability and enabling conditionsRolandBergerManagementsummaryarbon capture and storage(CCS)is a vital technology for decarbonizing energy-intensive industriesand mitigating climate change.After decades of evolution,over 200 million tons of CO2 safely stored globally,and costs declining toward breakeventhe challenge is no longer technical-it's aligning the institutional,regulatory,and socialconditions that allow economically viable CCS projects to get built.Interviews with leaders from across the CCS value chain revealed three unanimousconcerns:fin ancial viability challenges,unclear liability frameworks,and low socialacceptance.The economics are context-dependent.Capture costs vary dramaticallyby sector:In chemicals,ammonia production enjoys natural advantages due to highCO2 concentrations,while cement and steel face higher costs.Energy sourcing alsoproves decisive-heat pumps enable viability in 35 of 42 countries by 2040 versus just sixusing electric heaters.Customer willingness to pay is also emerging as a keyfactor.creating a strategic window before markets commoditize.Beyond economics,social acceptance of CCSlags behind that of other climatetechnologies and varies by geography.Regulatory stability matters at least as muchas subsidy generosity and liability clarity is urgent,as current frameworks remainimmature across five risk categories.A decisive window exists from 2025 to 2035 where early movers will capture advantagesthrough green premiums and infrastructure access.To succeed,industry playersshould establish competitive positioning,manage uncertainty proactively,and securecustomer-backed offtake.Conversely,regulators can support by prioritizing stableframeworks over generous but un predictable subsidies,clarifying liability allocation,and enabling cross-border abatementSuccess requires multidimensional excellence.The countries and companies excellingat orchestration-building trust,creating alignment,maintaining commitment-willleadthe CCS era.