Marsh identifies insurance as a foundational enabler for the commercial viability of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in its latest report. The report, titled ‘CCS at scale: Aligning risk and reality in Carbon Capture and Storage’, draws on insights from a survey of 504 senior CCS decision-makers conducted by Censuswide between 12 and 19 January 2026. The findings reveal that while 84 per cent of respondents expect CCS to be an established industry within the next 10 years, significant challenges remain regarding cost, regulation and risk. Despite the prevailing optimism, the industry faces a gap between ambition and execution. Approximately 64 per cent of decision-makers express concerns about scaling capture technology, while only 26 per cent anticipate taking a final investment decision (FID) on their next CCS project in the near term. The research highlights that as projects transition from concept to large-scale deployment, misalignment across cost pressures and regulatory preparedness represents a material threat to bankability. Insurance solutions are identified as a critical component in bridging these divides by enhancing project bankability and supporting long-term liability management. Commenting on the findings, Andrew Herring, global chairman of energy and power at Marsh Risk, says: “The data underscores the vital role insurance plays as a foundational enabler of investment, supporting the development of the CCS industry.” The report notes that the scaling of CCS is essential for industries seeking credible decarbonisation pathways as governments strengthen net-zero targets. However, the complexity of cross-chain coordination and economic uncertainties continue to hinder progress. The findings suggest that bridging the gap between ambition and execution will determine whether CCS can fulfil its promise as a viable pillar of global decarbonisation. The whitepaper explores where confidence aligns or diverges with economic, regulatory and operational realities. It highlights how perceptions of risk, financial structures and insurance solutions are adapting to enhance project bankability. The full report, ‘CCS at scale: Aligning risk and reality in Carbon Capture and Storage’, is available for download here.
