Germany considers carbon management strategy

The German Ministry of Economy and Climate has proposed legislative changes that will allow the deployment of carbon capture and storage or utilization (CCS/CCU) technologies, as well as its transportation. This is reported by Argus. Media.

The draft on the key points of the future strategy was presented by the Minister of Economy and Climate Protection Robert Habeck. He emphasized that state support for CCS/CCU will be concentrated in sectors where it is impossible or difficult to avoid emissions.

The German government will also ratify an amendment to the London Protocol allowing CO₂ exports, the minister said.

Since the issue of underground carbon storage on land is very unpopular among the country’s states, it will be allowed only in Germany’s exclusive economic zone in the North Sea, excluding protected areas. This will allow the country to catch up with its European neighbors such as Norway.

The country will also allow the use of CCS for gas-fired power plants, albeit without government support.

The draft law on carbon storage will provide a legal framework for future CO2 pipeline infrastructure. It is expected to be financed by the private sector, but within the state regulatory framework.

The draft will be sent to other ministries, followed by hearings for the federal states and associations.

Germany plans to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality in 2045.

As Habeck explained to Clean Energy Wire, CCS will only be a necessary complement to the country’s climate policy, which continues to focus primarily on emissions prevention. It includes the continued deployment of renewable energy sources, the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels, the expansion of the hydrogen economy, and energy efficiency improvements where possible.

In February 2024, the European Commission approved a €4 billion German state aid program aimed at supporting the country’s industry in decarbonizing production. The projects to be supported under the program range from the construction of electricity-powered glass melting tanks to the replacement of traditional steelmaking processes with direct reduction units powered by hydrogen.