The German government has submitted a proposal that would facilitate the implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies as well as carbon capture and use (CCU). According to an official document, this strategy will focus “mainly on the industrial sector, due to the complicated or impossible to avoid emissions in the environment, marking an important step in the country’s environmental policy.”
Efforts and real commitments in the face of climate change
Germany has outlined an approach that contemplates the capture and storage of carbon dioxide. carbon dioxideunder its seabed or offshore. However, although the application of CCS in gas-fired power plants in Germany will be permitted, there will be no state financial backing.
The initiative, detailed in the Ministry of Economy’s forthcoming Carbon Management Strategy (CMS), addresses how the country intends to manage difficult-to-reduce emissions from certain industrial processes and gas-fired power plants through CCS and CCU technologies.
Carbon storage as an environmental solution
With regard to state aid, the German government is committed to providing financial support for projects in the industrial sector, excluding the electricity sector. In addition, offshore CO₂ storage will be allowed, while maintaining the prohibition of subway storage on land, which reaffirms a selective approach to different carbon management modalities.
“With this strategic, pragmatic and responsible measure, we are making the implementation of CCS and CCU possible in Germany,” said Economics Minister Robert Habeck in Berlin. “Without these technologies, achieving our climate targets would be unfeasible.” Habeck emphasized that the adoption of carbon capture and storage solutions is crucial not only for the climate agenda, but also for maintaining Germany’s competitiveness.
Climate policy implementation and optimal carbon management
Habeck noted that the CCS will act as a necessary complement to existing climate policies, which prioritize emissions prevention. This includes the promotion of renewable energies, the phasing out of fossil fuels, the development of a hydrogen-based economy and energy efficiency. However, in cases where total elimination of emissions is highly challenging or impossible, such as in cement production or waste incineration, “CO₂ capture and storage” emerges as a viable solution.
He also stressed the importance of transboundary cooperation in Europe for the effective implementation of carbon management strategies. “To enable these technologies in Germany, legal reform and agreements with other countries that already have developed technologies or storage facilities are required,” Habeck explained, referring to the London Protocol regulating the cross-border transport of CO₂.
Germany maintains its 2045 climate target, which has reignited the debate on “how to address hard-to-reduce emissions”, the scientific community and the European Commission agree on the need for CCS to meet climate targets.
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Source: elperiodicodelaenergia.com
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