Carbon Capture Deployment in U.S. Upstream Oil Fields: Engineering Feasibility and National Impact

The upstream oil and gas sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, particularly from extraction and initial processing activities. As the country accelerates its climate action under the Inflation Reduction Act and Net-Zero 2050 targets, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is increasingly viewed as a critical pathway for emissions mitigation in fossil fuel operations. This study investigates the technical and economic feasibility of deploying CCS technologies in U.S. upstream oil fields, using case studies from ExxonMobil-operated sites in Wyoming and Texas. A techno-economic analysis is conducted to evaluate carbon capture potential, energy requirements, infrastructure constraints, and cost per metric ton of carbon dioxide sequestered. Results show that CCS can reduce site-level emissions by up to 65 percent, with economic viability supported by federal incentives such as Section 45Q tax credit. The study also identifies geologically suitable storage formations near major production areas, highlighting the potential for regional scalability. Findings contribute to national decarbonization strategies and underscore the role of CCS in a low-carbon energy transition.