29.02.2024
Germany; Climate targets will be challenging without CO₂ management
In the face of Germany’s ambitious goal to become carbon neutral by 2045, the country faces challenges. CCS and CCU will be key solutions, in accordance with the German government’s proposal for a CO2 management strategy.
Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Dr. Robert Habeck is proposing political measures to carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies can be utilised in the future. This is according to a proposal issued by the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschinistry on Monday 26 February. Habeck’s view is conveyed through a CO2 management strategy. Together with a proposal to amend the law on CO2 storage. This complements today’s other climate measures and will enable Germany to meet its climate targets and the EU’s recently proposed 2040 target.
An all-encompassing plan
Germany’s climate plan is not limited to the implementation of CCS and CCU, on the contrary, Germany is facilitating a range of other measures. Germany has a comprehensive plan that includes developing renewable energy, developing a hydrogen economy, phasing out fossil fuels, improving energy efficiency and promoting the circular economy.
Germany in close dialogue with Norway
In recent years, German government officials, public bodies and companies have made several study tours to Norway. Therfore to learn from the experience of developing the Longship project. Gassnova, among others, has contributed with planning and technical input. In 2022, Habeck visited Heidelberg Materials’ cement plant in Brevik, which is one of the key players in the Langskip project.
Without compromising industrial competitiveness
The German initiative is an important step towards tackling industrial CO2 emissions. That are difficult or impossible to avoid. The strategic focus on CCS and CCU for industrial processes, such as cement production and waste incineration. By capturing and storing CO₂. Germany can move closer to its goal of climate neutrality without sacrificing industrial capacity or competitiveness.
Germany’s plan emphasises responsibility for the environment and promotes technological solutions. By excluding marine protected areas from offshore storage of CO₂. Germany is taking a stand to balance industrial needs with its marine considerations. The measure signals a willingness to protect the climate and to set strict requirements for the use of climate measures. These include ensuring that CO₂ can only be stored in geologically suitable areas without the risk of leakage or damage. It also allows for the cross-border transport of CO₂ for permanent storage, reflecting both Germany’s limited storage capacity and the fact that the country is looking beyond its own borders for storage solutions.