The rapid deployment of decarbonization infrastructure introduces novel chemical processes and subsurface activities that create uncharacterized environmental risks. To assess regulatory readiness, researchers compiled a comprehensive inventory of net zero technologies expected to reach commercial scale over the next decade. Through a rigorous prioritization process, the assessment shortlisted thirteen key technologies spanning carbon capture, thermal energy storage, and biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More carbon sequestration, alongside two major cross-cutting gaseous energy carriers: ammonia and hydrogen. The research team screened fifty-three associated pollutants against existing regulatory monitoring standards across air, surface water, groundwater, and soil to determine where analytical capabilities are sufficient and where technical gaps hinder environmental oversight.

The findings reveal that while established monitoring frameworks effectively cover traditional environmental pollutants—such as metal leachingLeaching is the process where nutrients are dissolved and carried away from the soil by water. This can lead to nutrient depletion and environmental pollution. Biochar can help reduce leaching by improving nutrient retention in the soil.   More, thermal plumes, radon, and simple mineral salts—significant gaps persist for emerging organic and gaseous compounds. For cross-cutting energy carriers, handheld safety detectors for hydrogen cannot measure low-level atmospheric background concentrations of approximately 0.5 parts per million, making environmental leak quantification technically challenging. Similarly, real-time and fugitive ammonia monitoring systems lack standardized, certified commercial equipment for routine industrial deployment.

Solvent-based carbon capture processes present complex monitoring challenges due to the formation of volatile amines, nitrosamines, and nitramines. Current stack testing techniques struggle with sample thermal breakdown at high temperatures, and standardized liquid chromatography methods remain unvalidated for capturing the full spectrum of degradation products in wastewater discharges. Furthermore, emerging materials like biochar emit environmentally persistent free radicals and nanobiochar, which lack standardized measurement units and field-ready analytical tools for soil and water environments. Addressing these evidence gaps requires targeted research to validate testing methodologies, establish detection limits, and characterize real-world emission levels across commercial facilities.

Source: Environment Agency. (2026). A scoping review of monitoring capabilities for Net Zero technologies (Research Report No. SC250028/R). Environment Agency.