The Carbon Capture Technology Expo North America held in Houston, Texas, witnessed a convergence of major CCUS players accompanied by the Hydrogen Technology Expo. With a focus on carbon capture technologies, utilization of captured carbon dioxide, and sustainable fuels, the event showcased key insights. Occidental Petroleum's announcement that the CO2 captured from Stratos, the world's largest direct air capture facility, will be stored geologically rather than used for fossil fuel extraction signifies a shift towards cleaner business models. The event highlighted the essential role of carbon capture technologies in scaling up the hydrogen economy, particularly in the production of blue hydrogen. Talks from industry leaders emphasized the importance of carbon capture for blue hydrogen production at mega-scale, driving the development of hydrogen supply chains. The demand for fuels made from CO2 is rising in the aviation and shipping sectors as a viable decarbonization pathway due to the energy density limitations of batteries. Companies like Occidental are leading the way by investing in clean energy infrastructure to support direct air capture projects, showcasing a positive shift towards sustainability and cleaner energy practices.