From pipeline to pitch: How Gulf Coast energy production fuels the FIFA World Cup and why CCS is key to keeping American energy competitive
This summer, soccer fans from more than 200 countries will travel to America for the World Cup. The Gulf Coast is one of the regions with the honor of hosting this worldwide event; Houston will host seven games. Visitors will fill Texas Stadium, our restaurants, and our streets to cheer for their teams. It will be an exciting month and a reminder that big events like this need a lot of energy to run successfully. How we handle the emissions that come from the energy that powers this event is one of the most important choices we can make for our future. That?s where carbon capture and storage (CCS) comes in.
Before the first kick: Energy sets the stage
Long before a ball hits the field, energy products have already done a lot of work to set the stage for this global game. From the steel used to construct the stadium to the jet fuel bringing fans in from around the world?all of it depends on strong American energy production. It?s what makes an event this size possible.
Game day: Energy brings the match to life
Inside Texas Stadium, the scale of the event is on full display. The air conditioning, lighting, concessions, and broadcast systems all rely on the energy we produce right here at home. Carbon emissions aren?t just a byproduct of heavy industry; they are part of the broader system that supports experiences like this— keeping fans comfortable and transmitting the match to viewers around the world.
Beyond the stadium: the fan experience
FIFA fans aren?t here for just one match?they?re here for days or even weeks to soak up the full experience, and energy produced along the Gulf Coast plays a crucial role in every part of their stay. From fajitas cooked on a gas range to an air-conditioned hotel room, to rideshares across town, the things that make Houston hospitable run on the energy produced right here at home.
What this means for Houston and the Gulf Coast
Just like the World Cup, Houston depends on energy to keep the lights on and the economy humming. That?s especially true of the refineries, chemical plants, and manufacturing facilities that have helped power this city, and the country, for generations. With CCS, these industries can continue driving our regional economy while reducing emissions more responsibly than ever before.
When billions of people tune in to watch the World Cup, they?ll see more than a great tournament. They?ll see a city shaped by the industries and infrastructure that make modern life possible. Houston and the Gulf Coast have an opportunity to be the global leaders in emissions management and set a global standard for responsible energy production. CCS is one of the clearest ways to do that, and the Gulf Coast is well positioned to make it happen.
So how does CCS help make that possible? It works by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial facilities before it even reaches the atmosphere. Then, that carbon dioxide is transported to secure geologic formations deep underground for long-term storage.
CCS makes sure America?s energy industry remains globally competitive and sets the standard for innovation. For Houston and the Gulf Coast, that means continuing to produce the energy, materials, and products the world depends on, while meeting global demand for low-carbon products and protecting good-paying jobs.
