Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) essential for meeting climate goals, says Fegebank

Climate goals cannot be reached without Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Greenbank. - Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) essential for meeting climate goals, says Fegebank

Germany Moves Forward with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Legislation

In a significant stride towards decarbonizing its industry, Germany has approved a draft legislation that will enable commercial-scale deployment of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors such as cement, lime, and aluminium production[1][2][3][4].

The new law, transitioning CCS from research and pilot projects to commercial-scale deployment, allows permanent CO2 storage and the construction of transport infrastructure like pipelines at a large scale[2][3]. It bans CO2 storage from coal-fired power plants but permits CCS use in other industrial sectors and gas-fired plants as a climate protection measure[1][3].

Commercial CO2 storage on land remains generally prohibited under federal law, but federal states can opt in through regional legislation to permit land-based storage, provided relevant states agree to such arrangements[1][2]. The government also plans to develop a national CO2 transport network, including repurposing existing natural gas pipelines for CO2 transport, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce infrastructure costs[4].

This legislative development is considered a "milestone" for decarbonising German industry and aligns with Germany’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045[1][4].

In Hamburg, the city's Green Environment Senator, Katharina Fegebank, is advocating for the use of CCS technology to achieve climate neutrality[5]. Research on CCU technology (utilization of captured CO2) is being conducted at the HAW's energy campus in Hamburg[6]. However, no direct mention of local CCS projects or legislation was found in the provided results.

Katharina Fegebank emphasizes the importance of basing the debate on facts and empathy, acknowledging concerns about CCS due to its limited use in Germany[7]. She also mentions plans for CO2 capture in waste incineration in Hamburg[7].

The federal government needs to create a legal framework for CCS, including clarifying transportation, storage, and compression of CO2[8]. Initially, storage capacities may come from Norway and Denmark[8]. An amendment to the Carbon Dioxide Storage Act was brought by the traffic light coalition but was not passed[9].

CCS offers solutions for areas with unavoidable CO2 emissions, such as cement or steel production, and waste incineration, particularly in Hamburg[10]. The technology is deemed necessary to reach climate goals, as savings alone will not be enough, especially for the last few percent[11].

Sources:

1. German Press Agency
2. Focus magazine
3. [Link1]
4. [Link2]
5. [Link3]
6. [Link4]
7. [Link5]
8. [Link6]
9. [Link7]
10. [Link8]
11. [Link9]

EC countries should consider implementing vocational training programs to equip workers with the skills necessary for the deployment and maintenance of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, given its increasing prominence in combating climate-change, especially in industrial sectors like cement, lime, and aluminium production. To strengthen the environmental-science aspect, EC countries could also invest in research and development of Carbon Capture Utilization (CCU) technology, which converts captured CO2 into useful products like fuel or building materials. Additionally, to ensure a sustainable financial model for CCS implementation, policies should be established to encourage private investments and offer incentives for businesses adopting CCS technology, thus helping to achieve the EU's climate-change and carbon-neutrality goals in a cost-effective manner.

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