Does Carbon Capture Smell?

As more carbon capture projects continue to develop across the UK, many local communities are asking an important question: does carbon capture smell? The short answer is no – carbon capture systems are designed to operate without creating noticeable odours.

How does carbon capture work? Carbon capture technology removes carbon dioxide (CO₂) from flue gases before they are released into the atmosphere. Flue gases are the waste gases produced during industrial processes or energy generation, typically released through chimneys or exhaust stacks. These gases can contain CO₂ alongside water vapour and other compounds created when fuels are burned.

The capture process takes place within sealed and highly controlled systems, where gases are safely contained, treated, and separated as part of normal industrial operations. Because the equipment is enclosed and designed to prevent leaks or emissions, carbon capture facilities do not create new sources of smell.

Odour and biomass facilities Biomass plants that use waste wood, such as Evero’s, are specifically designed and operated to prevent odour from being released. They operate under strict environmental permits regulated by the Environment Agency (EA), which include controls on emissions and odour management to ensure surrounding communities are not affected by smells.

But do carbon capture systems create smells? Carbon capture is an additional process layered onto existing systems and does not change how odour is managed. The technology is focused on separating CO₂, which is a colourless and odourless gas, and any supporting processes are contained within industrial equipment and managed under the same regulatory standards, enforced by the EA, as the rest of the plant.

What does this mean for local communities? For people living or working near biomass energy facilities, the introduction of carbon capture does not mean new or stronger smells. Existing controls remain in place, and the additional technology is designed to integrate seamlessly without affecting day-to-day air quality perception.

Carbon capture does not produce noticeable odours. At facilities using waste wood for renewable energy, it operates as a contained, regulated process that supports emissions reduction without introducing new smell-related impacts.