EU Establishes First Voluntary Standard for Permanent Carbon Removal
The European Commission has made a significant advancement in combating climate change by adopting the first set of voluntary methodologies for carbon removals. This new framework aims to certify activities that permanently remove CO2 from the atmosphere, positioning the EU as a leader in climate innovation and carbon removal technology.
Establishment of Voluntary Standards for Permanent Carbon Removal
The newly adopted methodologies focus on three main types of carbon removal activities:
- Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage (DACCS)
- Biogenic Emissions Capture with Carbon Storage (BioCCS)
- Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR)
These methodologies are designed for their technological maturity and potential to support the EU’s climate objectives. Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate, emphasized the EU’s commitment to leading global efforts in carbon removals by establishing clear and robust standards.
Implications of the New Standards
The certification framework provides legally grounded rules for carbon removals, addressing key issues such as:
- Defining what constitutes a tonne of carbon removal
- Ensuring permanence of CO2 removal
- Managing risks, including leakages and liabilities
This comprehensive standard offers clarity for both companies and investors entering the rapidly evolving carbon removal market. By simplifying administrative processes, it enhances environmental integrity while encouraging innovative practices.
Next Steps for Adoption
The delegated regulations will now undergo scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU for two months, with the possibility of a two-month extension. If no objections arise, the regulations are set to be published in April, taking effect 20 days later.
Future Methodologies on the Horizon
In addition to the current methodologies, two more are anticipated for adoption by 2026:
- Carbon farming practices, including agriculture, agroforestry, peatland rewetting, and afforestation.
- Standards for carbon storage in bio-based construction materials to promote circular economy principles within the construction sector.
Support for Carbon Removal Initiatives
To stimulate the voluntary market for carbon removal credits, the EU plans to establish a Buyers’ Club under its Bioeconomy Strategy. The initiative aims to enhance both public and private investments in carbon removal technologies. Furthermore, the European Innovation Council and the Innovation Fund are set to support emerging projects in this sector.
Background on the CRCF Regulation
The Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation establishes the first EU-wide voluntary framework for certifying various forms of carbon removal, farming, and carbon storage in sustainable construction materials. This framework was developed through extensive consultations with experts, ensuring that all methodologies reflect the highest standards of trust and sustainability.
Through these efforts, the EU seeks to drive investment into carbon removal technologies, contributing to its goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
