ZEP gave input to the Roadmap on restoring sustainable carbon cycles. As stated in the European Climate Law, carbon dioxide removals, verified by a robust and thorough carbon accounting methodology, will be a key tool to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050 and 55% reduction by 2030.
Technology-based solutions, such as those enabled by CCS, are necessary and can deliver high-quality CDR where carbon is stored permanently.
Once removed, CO2 must be properly accounted for, kept away from the atmosphere, and stored in a manner that is intended to be permanent. Some applications of CCU, where atmospheric or biogenic CO2 is captured and stored in a manner intended to be permanent – could be defined as carbon dioxide removals and should thus also be taken into account.
CCS and CO2 infrastructure should feature prominently in the upcoming Communication. CO2 infrastructure is necessary to achieve the large-scale removals that will be needed to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and higher 2030 targets.
