Economic constraints and public acceptance remain two of the biggest challenges to mass deployment of carbon capture technologies in Europe. A unified CCS strategy in Europe could change this
The role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) is perhaps one of the most divisive topics in the global energy transition. Economic and financial constraints are often cited as the main reasons why these technologies have never scaled up, as the cost of carbon globally has not yet reached the price needed to make them profitable. Moreover, CCS also needs to gain greater public acceptance in many regions and sectors in society.
However, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) acknowledges the need to capture and remove carbon from the atmosphere and calls for a unified CCS strategy at European level have increased. But is carbon capture a proven and well-established technology and what is needed for its scale-up?
This week, we discuss carbon capture technologies with Lee Beck, senior director for Europe at the Clean Air Task Force, a US-based non-profit organisation. Lee leads the task force’s cross-functional, cross-regional, and cross-programmatic growth and climate policy impact in Europe.
Enjoy the show!
If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Lee Beck
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
Anna Gumbau
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy
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Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva. Art director: Trine Natskår.
Show notes:
Much as in the energy transition debate, the big question is who pays for carbon removal
The European Union is deciding which technologies and projects should have access to crucial funding. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology has its issues but some lawmakers and industries believe emission reduction targets cannot be met without it
Carbon capture and storage may be needed to decarbonise highly polluting sectors such as steel production, but the power sector would be best advised to focus on renewables and efficiency given the significant costs of the technology
A goal to become the first carbon neutral capital city as early as 2025 is at least partly dependent on Denmark’s new national government throwing its weight behind Copenhagen’s aspirations
Businesses should take full advantage of the EU’s place as an energy transition leader, write Sami Andoura and Philipp Offenberg from the European Political Strategy Centre, the European Commission’s think-tank
The cement sector has accepted the size of its carbon footprint, but it will take greater pressure from regulators and NGOs to force the industry to totally change its ways
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