30 MEPs from Renew Europe, the EPP, S&D and ECR have sent an open letter to President von der Leyen, urging her to include Industrial Carbon Management to the Commission's upcoming Clean Industrial Deal.
More specifically, the signatories call on the Commission to:
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Support the development of CO2 transport infrastructure in the EU
The Commission should facilitate the development of a cross-border, multi-modal EU CO₂ transport network with transparent third-party access. Transitioning from isolated transport and storage solutions to an integrated EU-wide system is critical, requiring common standards for CO₂ storage and transport. -
Make CO2 storage capacity a reality
The EU must align operational CO₂ capture and storage capacity with the NZIA target of 50 million tonnes by 2030, ensuring equitable access across Europe. Member States should incorporate ambitious ICM targets into their National Energy and Climate Plans. -
Coordinate Early CCS Deployment
Efficient planning and international collaboration are needed to reduce costs, optimize infrastructure, and remove legal barriers for a European CO₂ market, including partnerships with third countries. -
Centralise ICM Governance
Industrial Carbon Management is currently fragmented within the Commission between several DGs, hindering thre implementation of EU policy on the subject. The signatories call on the Commission to consolidate oversight of carbon management under a centralized ICM unit within the Commission to enhance coordination and support the surge in projects. -
Invest in Long-Term CO₂ Infrastructure
Substantial investment (€9.3–€23.1 billion) is required to build a European CO₂ pipeline network for 2040 and beyond. Support mechanisms should include:- Contracts for Difference to de-risk investments.
- Efficient and simplified funding processes.
- Creation of a market for low-carbon products, recognizing decarbonized production processes using CCS/CCU.
With competitiveness and decarbonisation being the key focus of the upcoming mandate, we are extremely happy to see that Industrial Carbon Management is getting the attention it deserves in the European Parliament. Hopefully the European Commission and Member States will follow suit.