Observing technology reserves of carbon capture and storage via patent data: Paving the way for carbon neutral

Under the premise of being a mature technology, carbon dioxide capture, storage and utilization (CCUS) is an important part of a global climate solution that can help achieve near-zero emissions. However, CCUS development lies well short of what had been anticipated by the public. At present, global CO₂ emissions and the target of climate mitigation are so broadly divided that international climate governance is in grave shape. Here has probably become the optimum time to make an inventory of CCUS technology reserves in various economies to enable advanced deployment of technology research and development, dramatically reduce technology costs, and accelerate CCUS commercial deployment. Based on patent data, this study uses a dynamic programming algorithm combined with topic modeling to identify key technology clusters and main development paths from a complex patent network. Such a wide-range open monitoring mode for CCUS technology can quickly detect potential breakthroughs in the evolution paths. To some extent, it is possible to address the problems of less decision-making information and poor accuracy of CCUS technology monitoring. We dissect the development status of the global CCUS patent market and outline the patent layout strategy of CCUS in major economies. From 36,854 patents retrieved, 27 key technology paths are screened, 9 of which are emerging ones that need to speed up the layout; while 57 potential breakthroughs are identified (35 for CO₂ capture and 22 for CO₂ storage and utilization). These findings are informative for micro-level CCUS research and development in enterprises and provide decision support for the macro-level national science and technology strategic layout.