Europe's impending climate change scenario and predicted outcomes
Germany Accelerates Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Implementation
As Germany gears up for climate neutrality by 2045, the government is actively advancing the use of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology to achieve this ambitious goal. CCS technologies are seen as indispensable for reaching climate neutrality and net-negative emissions targets after 2050, particularly for hard-to-abate industrial emissions such as cement production and waste incineration.
In a significant move, Germany has reformed its laws to permit broader application of carbon capture, transport, and underground storage of CO2. Previously, storage projects and large-scale transport were severely restricted. The recent legislative changes now allow offshore and inland carbon storage, as well as the development of CO2 transport infrastructure, including pipelines, facilitating the establishment of a CO2 market connected with neighboring countries.
Two major carbon capture pipelines have received approval from the German antitrust authority, involving companies like Open Grid Europe GmbH and ONTRAS Gastransport GmbH. These pipelines will connect industrial emitters to permanent CO2 storage sites in the North Sea and Denmark, representing a significant investment in the billion-euro range and allowing for large-scale CO2 transport and storage.
Germany’s CCS policy scope excludes coal-fired power plants but permits CCS in gas-fired power and industrial sectors, underscoring a focus on reducing emissions from sectors harder to decarbonize otherwise. The federal government has also recently included Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)—which encompasses CCS and related technologies—in its national budget to integrate it fully into the climate strategy aiming for net zero by 2045, signaling increased political commitment.
Hamburg, under the leadership of Green Senator for the Environment, Katharina Fegebank, is advocating for the use of CCS technology for capturing and storing CO under the ground. However, Fegebank's statements have faced criticism from political opponents, with the CDU criticizing her for undermining the credibility of representing climate neutrality by 2040. The Green fraction has defended Fegebank, accusing the CDU of being politically bankrupt on climate protection.
Despite the criticism, Fegebank emphasizes that CCS technology is safe, citing scientific findings. She also acknowledges concerns about the wide application of CCS technology in Germany, apart from small pilot plants. Fegebank urges the federal government to create a legal framework for CCS as soon as possible.
The environmental policy spokesman of the Left criticizes Fegebank, stating that she is serving a CO lobby and engaging in green capitalism. However, Fegebank's supporters argue that the use of CCS technology is necessary to meet Hamburg's goal of being climate-neutral by 2045.
The debate about CCS technology should be conducted on facts and with empathy, according to Fegebank. As Germany continues to advance its CCS implementation, it is crucial to address concerns and misconceptions about the technology to ensure a sustainable and effective transition towards a carbon-neutral future.
[1] Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) (2021). Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/DE/Publikationen/Publikationen-DE/Veroeffentlichungen-DE/carbon-capture-and-storage-in-germany.html
[2] Open Grid Europe GmbH (2021). Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.opengrid.de/en/carbon-capture-and-storage/
[3] Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) (2021). Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.bmuv.de/bmuv/themen/klimaschutz/carbon-dioxide-removal-cdr-in-deutschland-316536.php
[4] European Commission (2021). Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Germany. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-green-deal/climate-change-and-the-european-green-deal/carbon-capture-and-storage-ccs_en
- The use of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology is vital for Germany's plan to achieve climate neutrality, especially for hard-to-abate sectors like cement production and waste incineration.
- In the context of policy and legislation, the German government has permitted offshore and inland carbon storage, as well as the development of CO2 transport infrastructure, including pipelines, to facilitate a CO2 market with neighboring countries.
- Critics have accused Hamburg's Green Senator for the Environment, Katharine Fegebank, of serving a CO lobby and engaging in green capitalism, however, supporters argue that the use of CCS technology is necessary for achieving Hamburg's goal of being climate-neutral by 2045.
