A bibliometric analysis of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS): Identifying barriers and drivers

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) play an important role in climate mitigation and decarbonization strategies. Many researchers have studied Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), but few have identified the barriers and drivers from a bibliometric perspective. This research aims to fill this gap by providing bibliometric analysis, while also identifying research trends and topic evolution in this field. The analysis revealed that China and the USA are leading the research activities in this topic. Five conceptual themes were identified from the literature through Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) keyword clustering: life cycle assessment and sequestration, technological advances in CO 2 capture and separations, techno-economic analysis, CO 2 conversion technologies, and metallic organic framework. Furthermore, an analysis of the co-occurrence network map using the keyword plus bibliometric data suggests that the barriers and drivers of CCS and CCU are not universally shared across the CCUS field. The recognition of these differences may support further research in the development of supportive policies and could provide input into the creation of new business models. The primary contribution of this research is a comprehensive bibliometric analysis detailing the current state, thematic areas, and the barriers and drivers associated with CCS and CCU, while also outlining future research directions. • Reveals distinct thematic barriers and drivers for CCS and CCU using bibliometric analysis. • Identifies five conceptual research themes in CCUS literature from 2010 to 2025. • Maps conceptual clusters and trends using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer software tools. • Reveals China and the USA as global leaders in CCUS research and collaboration. • Findings provide a basis for future CCUS policy research and technology development.