Geologic carbon storage

Overview

Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) involves technologies that include the capture, transport and storage (sequestration) of carbon dioxide. Geologic carbon storage is a form of CCUS activities that permanently stores carbon dioxide in deep underground geologic formations.

It is an innovative and safe technology currently used in Canada and around the world and could strengthen Ontario’s economy by:

• reducing emissions
• creating jobs
• keeping industries competitive

How it’s done

Geologic carbon storage helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and injecting it into deep underground rock formations, instead of being released into the atmosphere.

After carbon dioxide is injected, it is permanently trapped in underground pore space and sealed beneath rock layers to prevent it from moving upward. When injection activities are complete, the wells are plugged and the site is decommissioned.

Since 2022, the ministry has taken a phased approach to create a comprehensive framework to regulate geologic carbon storage in Ontario and help ensure it is safely and responsibly managed.

Carbon storage quick facts

Impact

It is estimated that geologic carbon storage in Ontario could help:

• energy-intensive industries cut greenhouse gas emissions by 5 to 7 million tonnes per year
• create over 4,000 jobs
• reduce carbon costs for industries by nearly $1 billion a year

Most of Ontario’s geologic carbon storage potential is expected to be in Southwestern Ontario, which also coincides with many of the province’s largest emitters of carbon dioxide.

Stakeholder engagement

Since 2022, Ontario has:

• released 3 discussion papers
• posted 7 public consultations on the Environmental Registry of Ontario
• hosted 11 stakeholder engagement sessions to build a carbon storage framework that works for Ontario

Global progress

As of 2023, there were almost:

• 400 carbon capture and storage projects at various stages of development worldwide
• 300 million tonnes of carbon dioxide injected underground

This includes projects in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Learn more at the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute.

Benefits of enabling geologic carbon storage

Geologic carbon storage is one tool for achieving emissions targets, especially for carbon-intensive industries, such as cement, steel and fertilizer production and power generation.

Development of commercial-scale carbon storage projects in Ontario could:

• support emissions reduction and production of low-carbon hydrogen
• support the transition to a low-carbon economy
• let businesses take advantage of federal incentives for carbon storage
• attract investment and encourage innovation

The Geologic Carbon Storage Act, 2025

Ontario’s geologic carbon storage activities are regulated under the Geologic Carbon Storage Act, 2025 (GCSA), which:

• establishes rules and requirements governing carbon storage activities
• enables the Minister of Natural Resources to issue authorizations, such as permits and licences and to make changes to existing authorizations
• provides authority for inspections of carbon storage sites to ensure compliance
• requires decommissioning and monitoring activities to be carried out on sites once carbon storage activities end

The GCSA and associated regulations will help:

• guide the safe and responsible implementation of carbon storage projects
• cut emissions
• create and retain jobs
• keep industries competitive in Ontario

Our plan to enable geologic carbon storage has followed a phased approach to provide clarity for industry and communities, while ensuring safe and responsible development.

Geologic carbon storage permits and licences

There are 2 types of geologic carbon storage permits issued by the ministry:

• research and evaluation permit: to perform carbon storage research and evaluation activities
• storage permit: to perform carbon storage activities

Permit application requirements are specified in the Geologic Carbon Storage Act, 2025 and its associated regulations:

• Ontario Regulation 311/25
• Ontario Regulation 12/26
• Ontario Regulation 13/26

Apply for a permit

Submit your application for a permit through the Natural Resources Information Portal (NRIP). The portal will allow you to upload the various components of your permit application. Applications will open during the week of February 23, 2026.

Private land

If you want to use private land for carbon storage, or research and evaluation, you must either own the land and pore space, or get permission from the owner.

Crown owned or controlled land

If you want to use Crown owned or controlled land and public pore space, for carbon storage or research and evaluation, you must get a licence.

You must receive a written minister’s invitation to apply for a licence.