CAPTURE, STORAGE, SEQUESTRATION OR DISPOSAL OF GREENHOUSE GASES [GHG]

Description

Y02C covers technologies and processes for capturing, storing, sequestering, or disposing of greenhouse gases (primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) to mitigate climate change. This classification includes carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems, direct air capture technologies, geological sequestration methods, utilization of captured CO2 in industrial processes, and destruction or conversion of greenhouse gases into stable compounds. It encompasses applications across power generation, industrial manufacturing, waste treatment, and dedicated capture facilities, but excludes general emissions reduction through energy efficiency or renewable energy transition, which fall under other Y02 subclasses.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass Y02C recorded 32,546 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings declined from 2,915 in 2013 to 2,586 in 2023 (-11%), peaking at 3,642 applications in 2021. The most active applicants in class Y02 are CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (30,705 applications), TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (29,065 applications) and SGCC(STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA) (22,908 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings