Following the rise in global interest in sustainable development, Engr. Oyeniyi Richard Ajao, a distinguished expert in industrial strategy and critical infrastructure management, has outlined a robust approach for deploying Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies to support sustainable industrialisation in developing nations.

He said this will involve a delicate balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility.

In his comprehensive article, Driving Carbon Capture in Parallel with Industrialisation in Developing Countries: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies, Ajao explores the substantial challenges and strategic solutions for countries like Nigeria, aiming to address both industrial and environmental goals.

Ajao identified several core challenges developing nations face in adopting CCS, including high upfront costs, limited technical expertise, and regulatory gaps.

He highlighted that without adequate frameworks for permitting, safety, and long-term liability, CCS remains difficult to implement effectively.

According to him, Infrastructure needs are also substantial, as building pipelines and storage sites for CO2 transport and storage requires significant investment and planning.

For instance, projects like the UK’s HyNet North West provide a model, illustrating the infrastructure needed to handle large-scale CO2 capture and storage. The associated costs of such infrastructure have often deterred developing countries from moving forward with CCS.

Despite these challenges, Ajao highlights opportunities within CCS to mitigate emissions, enhance energy security, and create green jobs. He underscores the economic potential for developing nations to generate employment within the green technology sector, supporting both industrial and environmental objectives.

Developing nations can draw valuable lessons from developed countries. Norway’s Northern Lights and the U.S.’s Petra Nova projects showcase the transformative impact of CCS, leveraging government incentives like the 45Q tax credit in the U.S. to encourage investment. Implementing similar financial incentives could reduce the financial burden of CCS adoption in developing economies, particularly in emission-heavy industries like oil and gas.

Ajao’s roadmap for developing nations involves implementing comprehensive regulatory frameworks, creating financial incentives, fostering public awareness, and promoting technology transfer. Public engagement, as seen in Canada’s Alberta Carbon Trunk Line, has successfully garnered local support through transparency and community involvement, a model Ajao argues could greatly benefit countries like Nigeria. He advocates for international cooperation, noting that funds from organizations like the Green Climate Fund and the World Bank are crucial for bridging financial gaps, given the estimated $655 billion required globally by 2050 to reach carbon targets. With this structured approach, Ajao demonstrates that through policy reform, financial backing, and international collaboration, developing nations can drive sustainable industrialization, contributing meaningfully to global climate goals.