Carbon storage regulations to take effect

Beginning winter 2026, commercial-scale geologic carbon storage projects will be regulated on Crown and private lands in Ontario.

Industry applicants interested in submitting carbon storage project proposals can learn more and ask questions by contacting carbonstorage@ontario.ca or 519-873-4634.

The ministry has a team in place to support proponents with the application process, compliance and other aspects of program delivery.

Overview

Geologic carbon storage is the permanent storage of carbon dioxide in deep underground geologic formations.

Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) involves many activities that capture, transport, use and store (sequester) carbon dioxide. Geologic carbon storage is one part of CCUS activities.

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

This framework:

  • supports industry
  • encourages sector innovation
  • reduces emissions

Carbon storage quick facts

  • Commercial-scale geologic carbon storage involves injecting captured carbon dioxide, which would have otherwise entered the atmosphere, into deep underground rock formations for permanent storage.
  • 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.
  • As of 2023, there were almost 400 carbon capture and storage projects at various stages of development worldwide and close to 300 million tonnes of carbon dioxide have already been 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

  • Supports emissions reduction and production of low-carbon hydrogen.
  • Supports the transition to a low-carbon economy.
  • Lets businesses take advantage of provincial and federal initiatives for carbon storage.
  • Attracts investment and encourages innovation.

Roadmap towards regulating geologic carbon storage

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.

Roadmap development timeline

Discussion paper

January to March 2022

  • Received feedback through postings on the regulatory and environmental registries of Ontario.
 
Clarify intent

March 2023

 
Enable demonstration

January 2024

  • Framework established under the Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Act to enable proponents to seek approval for carbon storage testing and demonstration projects, initially only on private land, with new and enhanced tools to protect people and the environment.
 
Design framework

2024–2025

  • Initial framework designed to regulate commercial-scale geologic carbon storage projects on Crown and private land.
  • Consultation with industry stakeholders, municipalities, Indigenous communities, landowners and the public began in 2024 and continued throughout 2025.
  • On December 3, 2025, the government passed the Geologic Carbon Storage Act to enable and regulate the use of carbon storage technology in Ontario.
 
Refine and adapt

2026 and beyond

  • In winter 2026, regulations are anticipated to take effect to guide the safe and responsible management of commercial-scale geologic carbon storage projects.
  • Businesses may submit project proposals to the ministry by contacting carbonstorage@ontario.ca or 519-873-4634.
  • Framework will be refined and adapted for new activities and emerging technologies.