An EU strategy for CCS and CCU: Safeguarding European industrial competitiveness

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On 9 February, the Zero Emissions Platform (ZEP) held an online seminar as part of the EU Industry Weeks. Key stakeholders from industry, research communities, and civil society were called upon to discuss the importance of an EU strategy for CCS and CCU.

Jonas Helseth, ZEP Vice-Chair and Director at Bellona Europa, kicked off the show. His presentation outlined provided an NGO perspective on how CCS can be a tool for deep decarbonisation, stressing the importance of seeing CO₂ transport networks as public goods.
Florence Delprat-Jannaud, CCS Program Manager at IFPEN, followed to shed light on the research community’s perspective, challenges, and contributions to EU industrial innovation and decarbonisation, with the special example of DMX Dunkirk.
Bram Sommer, Advisor of Public and Regulatory Affairs at Port of Rotterdam, was also present. His presentation showcased Porthos, a European project in which CO₂ from industry in the port of Rotterdam is transported and stored in empty gas fields under the North Sea.
Finally, Arthur Heberle, Head of Technology at Mitsubishi Power Europe, discussed industrial innovation and implementation of CCS and CCU from a multinational technology provider perspective.

During the Q&A, chaired by Lucie Boost, ZEP External Relations Group Co-Chair and EU Affairs Manager at Equinor, speakers were asked why an EU strategy on CCS and CCU is crucial today. Discussions highlighted that this is an issue concerning all sectors of society, both public and private, warranting a strong and concerted public policy response. Among other things, a European approach would ensure all Member states are integrated within CO₂ transport networks that leave no one behind.

It was concluded that the 2020s are crucial for Europe’s transition towards climate neutrality. In this decade, the EU will set out its strategy for CCS and CCU – paving the way for a low-carbon and competitive industrial sector in Europe. Political recognition of CCS and CCU would also reduce investors’ uncertainty and enhance the scalability of these technologies. The EU Taxonomy on Sustainable Activities is a good starting point. Time is not on our side: the urgency of climate mitigation demands broad deployment of CCS across Europe to ensure a just energy transition. A sound, coherent regulatory framework CO2 transport, and storage infrastructure is of the essence.

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Slides available below

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