Research Hotspots and Evolution Trends of CCUS Policy in Industrial Field From the Perspective of Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Goals

Abstract

The transition toward carbon neutrality has placed carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) at the center of international climate strategies. Despite its strategic importance, the policy frameworks shaping CCUS remain fragmented and uneven. This study reviews the intellectual and policy evolution of CCUS governance to identify research hotspots, institutional dynamics, and future pathways. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using 968 publications from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection (2003–2024). CiteSpace was applied to map publication trends, cocitation networks, and keyword clusters. To move beyond descriptive mapping, the findings were interpreted through established policy analysis perspectives, including the advocacy coalition framework (ACF) and multilevel perspective (MLP) on sociotechnical transitions. The field has progressed through three phases: exploratory (2003–2008), expansion (2009–2019), and rapid growth (2020–present), reflecting the global diffusion of net-zero commitments. Research has converged on five policy dimensions: normative frameworks, macroeconomic support, regulatory instruments, financial incentives, and technoeconomic analysis (TEA). Emerging themes include project-level cost–benefit analysis, integration with hydrogen and bioenergy systems, and standardization of monitoring and verification protocols. However, gaps persist in Global South representation, cross-sector collaboration, and attention to social and institutional factors. This review demonstrates that CCUS policy research is transitioning from descriptive assessments toward operational governance support. Future work should emphasize interdisciplinary frameworks, equitable geographic coverage, and engagement with emerging tools such as digital modeling, participatory governance, and integrated carbon management systems. These directions are essential for enabling CCUS to contribute effectively within broader net-zero ecosystems.