The science is clear: We need to start taking CO2 out of the atmosphere and store it underground. CCS is an indispensable weapon to fight climate change. While renewable energy and electrification will be key for the EU’s ambitious emission reductions goals, for hard-to-abate industries these are not viable solutions. CCS is essential for them to maintain their international competitiveness and at the same time lower their emissions.
CCS is an Indispenable Weapon
CCS Europe recommendations for the first 100 days of the new European Commission
Humankind has been emitting CO2 for years, and its increasing concentration in the atmosphere is one of the main drivers of climate change and global warming.
Extreme weather events have given us a glimpse of the devastating effects of climate inaction on societal welfare.
The clock to act on climate change is ticking and it won’t wait for us
Download our Asks for the first 100 Days of the EU Commission
We call for:
Legislative Direction
- A strong commitment to CCS as part of the Clean Industrial Deal that recognises that to capture 280m tonnes of CO2 annually by 2040 as proposed in the Communication on Industrial Carbon Management will require a huge scale up in ambition.
- The publication of an EU action plan for CCS, outlining the concrete supportive measures the Commission is developing and a swift timeline for their adoption.
Engagement with Industry
- Convening a discussion with industry and climate ministers to consider actions needed by Member States to support industrial decarbonisation.
- The scheduling of a meeting of CEOs of hard-to-abate industries and European technology suppliers to discuss how to stimulate the development of the CCS supply chain and projects across the EU.
Political Leadership
- Clarification as to which Commissioner will be responsible for delivering on the ambition, and how associated Commissioners and Directorates-General will be coordinated to contribute to its achievement.
- An early, strong, statement confirming that the new Commission believes that CCS is indispensable to achieve climate neutrality, and indicating legislative measures that will be introduced to provide first movers with incentives to invest in the technology’s deployment.
- The appointment of an envoy/coordinator to represent the Commission in working with Member State governments in promoting CCS investments, particularly when cross-border arrangements are required.