After a turbulent year for climate policy, carbon markets and CCUS, what actually changed and what matters going into 2026?

In this episode, Alex Cameron is joined by Wood Mackenzie experts Peter Albin and Stephanie Chiang to unpack the real state of carbon markets and carbon capture after a year dominated by political shifts, policy delays and mixed signals. Moving beyond headlines, the discussion focuses on where momentum is holding, where it is stalling, and how companies should think about business models, pricing, and investment risk across regions.

From compliance carbon pricing and offsets to CCUS hubs, cross-border projects and removals, this conversation is about separating signal from noise and understanding what is commercially viable now, not just theoretically possible.

Key takeaways: 

• Why 2025 looked like backsliding, but still delivered structural progress
• Where compliance carbon pricing is expanding and where political limits are showing
• How CCUS business models are evolving, and why hubs matter more than ever
• The growing role of cross-border carbon transport and storage
• What is changing in carbon offset markets as quality and governance tighten
• Why removals will matter, but not yet at scale without further support
• How corporates are shifting from transition narratives to balance-sheet reality

Show links: 

• Read Woodmac’s what to look for in 2026 pieces across carbon policy, carbon markets and CCUS
• Explore Woodmac’s data and analysis platform, Lens Carbon
• View Stephanie and Peter’s professional profiles and research
• Connect with Alex Cameron, Founder & CEO of Decarb Connect and learn more about our network, podcast and events

Learn more about Decarb Connect

Our global membership platform, events and facilitated introductions support leaders driving industrial and energy innovation. Our clients include the most energy-intensive industrials from cement, metals and mining, glass, ceramics, chemicals, O&G and many more along with technology disruptors, investors and advisors. We have summits coming up in Houston, London, Hamburg, Boston and Toronto and the opportunity to find the biggest brains in energy and carbon management – your future collaborators. For year-round introductions and meaningful insights, get in touch about your membership of the Decarbonization Leaders Network – so many benefits, hundreds of people equally focused on decarbonization – find out more and talk with Jack Figg, Community Director.