To achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck proposed a new Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCS) policy in February, allowing captured carbon dioxide to be stored under the sea. More than a decade ago, Germany vehemently opposed CCS, but Habeck stated that the technology is now 'mature and safe,' and there is a political shift towards support.

Germany has long been embroiled in controversy over CCS technology. Critics argue that this technology is expensive, lacks tangible results, and merely serves as an excuse for fossil fuel industries and other major carbon emitters to continue emitting carbon. After heated debates, a law was passed in 2012 allowing individual states the authority to veto the use of carbon capture technology.

According to the Associated Press, Robert Habeck's announced "Carbon Management Strategy" (CMS) will allow carbon storage within Germany's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) maritime areas, with no immediate consideration for land-based storage.

Green Party's Habeck pointed out that while Germany is committed to expanding renewable energy, there are still industries like the cement industry that are difficult to decarbonize (hard to abate), and therefore require CCS technology to reduce carbon emissions.

The Green Party had opposed CCS in the 2000s. Regarding the policy reversal, Habeck explained that CCS is now considered a "mature and safe" technology, with real-world applications beyond laboratory projects.

In 2023, Denmark launched the "Greensand Project," aiming to construct a cross-border carbon storage facility to store carbon dioxide from Denmark and other European countries beneath the North Sea.

According to the German media outlet "Clean Energy Wire," Germany will restrict CCS to industrial sectors only and will not allow its use in the energy sector.

Habeck emphasized that there is 'not much time left,' stating that the world is moving towards efforts to limit temperature rise to below 1.5°C. He stressed that it is no longer feasible to remain passive and that this decision is 'pragmatic and responsible.' Habeck highlighted that reducing carbon emissions remains the primary focus, with CCS seen as a 'necessary supplementary' policy.

According to the Clean Energy Wire, the Federation of German Industries (BDI) expressed strong support for the new policy. However, the German Environmental Action (Deutsche Umwelthilfe, DUH) criticized the policy for opening the door to the fossil fuel industry, making it more difficult to redirect investments towards energy efficiency and renewable energy in the future. DUH called on the cabinet and the federal parliament to vote against the policy.

Greenpeace criticized the government for not prioritizing industrial reform and carbon reduction, instead opting for expensive and unsustainable mega-scale carbon dioxide storage facilities to address the issue.

Experts from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) view this as a revival of CCS in Germany. The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), renowned in the climate field, considers it a significant milestone that could contribute to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and even progressing towards negative carbon technologies.

References:
*REUTERS（2024/02/26），Germany to allow carbon transport, sub-seabed storage, minister says

*Clean Energy Wire（2024/02/26），Germany to support CCS for industry, allow offshore carbon storage with upcoming strategy

*Deutsche Welle（2024/02/26），Germany to allow carbon capture, underwater storage

*Deutsche Welle（2012/07/30），Clean coal controversy

*AP（2024/02/26），Germany plans to enable underground storage of carbon dioxide at offshore site

Source:
Environmental Information Center