A new Stanford University study has concluded that replacing fossil fuel infrastructure with renewable energy sources is cheaper, more efficient, and healthier than investing in carbon capture technology.

The research compared two future energy scenarios across 149 countries—one that maintained fossil fuel infrastructure with added carbon capture, and another that transitioned fully to wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower. The findings showed that a full switch to renewables could reduce energy costs by nearly 60%, cut energy use by over 54%, and prevent millions of pollution-related deaths.

Lead author Mark Jacobson argues that carbon capture prolongs reliance on inefficient fossil fuel systems. Instead, he suggests that investing directly in renewables provides a more effective path to reducing emissions and achieving net-zero targets. The study builds upon previous research warning against a heavy dependence on carbon capture as a climate solution.