CCS Europe delves into how to mobilise financing for CCS investments

On 29 May, CCS Europe held an in-person event on the question of de-risking funding for CCS invetsments in the EU, highligting the growing urgency to de-risk CCS in Europe to meet climate targets.

During her keynote speech, Maria Velkova (Deputy Head of Unit in DG CLIMA's Low Carbon Solutions (II): Research and Low Carbon Solutions unit) emphasized the need for a stable regulatory environment, public support, and ambitious targets, with 50 million tonnes of capture by 2030. Key funding programs like the Innovation Fund and Horizon Europe are essential, but funding remains insufficient.

The first panel, led by Katrina Williams, discussed national and EU incentives for CCS success. Speakers stressed the importance of coordinated funding efforts through the STEP Task Force, regulatory updates, and technological innovation. Permitting issues and the slow uptake of renewables were also flagged as barriers. The need for CCS integration across all technologies and sectors was emphasized, particularly for industries like cement and aluminium.

In the second panel, experts explored investment strategies and risk management for CCS. Speakers from Deloitte, EBRD, and BNP Paribas focused on the need for robust financial models, cross-sector collaboration, and holistic approaches to financing the entire CCS value chain. Key challenges include securing sufficient capital and navigating a volatile regulatory environment.