ZEP Press Statement on European Green Deal

The European Zero Emissions Technology and Innovation Platform (ZEP) welcomes the European Green Deal, which was announced by the European Commission. This sets out the goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 with a strong focus on accelerated climate action and a just transition.

ZEP is delighted to see that carbon capture storage (CCS) and carbon capture utilisation (CCU) are acknowledged as breakthrough technologies that should be fostered in a reviewed energy framework. ZEP also welcomes the focus on smart infrastructure to deliver sustainable industrial value chains for key industrial sectors in Europe.

Commenting on the European Commission’s communication, Dr Graeme Sweeney, Chairman of ZEP, stated:

“We welcome the European Commission’s commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Carbon capture and storage technologies are available, competitive and cost-effective, and its urgent deployment at a large-scale is essential to achieve Europe’s climate targets.

CCS and CCU can enable a just transition for Europe’s citizens and industries, making EU regions attractive for clean investment. The transition to a low-carbon, competitive industrial sector can only be unlocked through cross-border CO2 transport and storage networks, which also enable the early large-scale production of clean hydrogen and climate positive solution (negative emissions).”

Heads of state and governments will gather today and tomorrow to discuss the EU’s long-term strategy on climate neutrality at the European Council meeting in Brussels. We call on European leaders to support CCS, CCU and shared CO2 cross-border infrastructure in order to reach the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.