The technical geologic and engineering experience related to carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) that has been cultivated over the past two plus decades, combined with more recent policy instruments, such as the expanded 45Q tax credits for the use of CO2 associated with enhanced hydrocarbon recovery, and corporate clean energy commitments, continue to sustain interest in CCUS development. Robust private sector investment continues to support CCUS projects across the United States despite government funding cuts and uncertainty resulting from the proposed elimination of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas reporting program.

As the industry grows, so does the need for highly skilled professionals to guide the pathway for safe and economical management of carbon storage developments. At a time of rapid change, the importance of integrating innovative geoscientists and engineers to lend their expertise and skills plays a critical role in defining the future of carbon storage.

As hosts of CCUS 2026, 30 March–1 April in The Woodlands, Texas, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), have joined forces to gather leading technical experts to demonstrate the ongoing need for geoscientists and engineers in our CCUS arena. Exciting developments for the 2026 conference include inclusion of content led by the CCUS Latin America event and participation by the American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA) and the Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts (SPWLA). We are also pleased to announce the return of the Carbon Lounge where attendees can connect with carbon storage stakeholders across industry and academia to discover innovative new monitoring technologies.

Keynote speakers, panelists, and presenters from ExxonMobil, OXY, Shell, SLB, and many other project developers and organizations will facilitate discussion on current CCUS work and tackle related challenges across these themes:

• Theme 1: CO2 Capture
• Theme 2: CO2 Transportation
• Theme 3: Commercial and Regulatory Considerations
• Theme 4: Enhanced Oil Recovery and Other CO2 Utilization
• Theme 5: Regional Characterization
• Theme 6: Site-focused Characterization
• Theme 7: Subsurface Modelling
• Theme 8: Well Design and Integrity
• Theme 9: Testing and Monitoring
• Theme 10: Operational Results

Alongside a dynamic technical program of talks, panels, and posters, CCUS 2026 will have pre-event short courses on the following topics: applications of AI in geological CO 2 storage; SimCCS; chemistry of carbon capture; monitoring methods for CCUS, geothermal, oil and gas; subsurface CO 2 storage simulation; and a workshop on SEAM Benchmarks for CO 2 reservoir, geology, geomechanics, and geophysics. A pre-event field trip is scheduled to explore Galveston’s coastal processes, as well as a field trip to Rice University to explore their research labs. Informative topical luncheons, engaging networking opportunities, and interactive student activities will provide an added level of experience for attendees that are not to be missed. In addition, the CCUS 2026 event will feature student focused activities connecting students and professionals.

Conversations on emerging technologies and the latest innovations in sustainable development will extend to the exhibition hall with participation from a variety of companies including Core Labs, Baker Hughes, and Halliburton.