The industrial sector contributes significantly to global warming due to its large-scale emissions of greenhouse gases, mostly comprising of CO₂.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is an available technology for decarbonising process emissions, or for industry processes that cannot electrify or do not have access to decarbonised fuels.

By capturing, transporting, and storing CO₂ permanently, CCS restricts large volumes of greenhouse gas from entering the atmosphere. 

In short:

• CCS should be implemented where it is the most effective emission reduction technology compared to available solutions.

• CCS deployment needs to achieve economies of scale, which requires support mechanisms, predictability for business cases and markets. 

• Developing a CO₂ network in Europe should consider geographical and regional specificities, ensuring equitable access throughout the continent. 

To achieve net-zero targets, industries must significantly reduce their emissions. When other means of reducing emissions are not possible or accessible, capturing CO₂ and storing it permanently in geological formations proves to be an effective emissions reduction pathway. CCS can be applied to various sectors and can result in significant volumes of CO₂ being kept away from the atmosphere. Emissions from fossil feedstock and process emissions from the transformation of raw materials are the main focus. 

CCS has a clear role to play in ensuring a just transition where the decarbonisation of industry does not lead to significant job losses. Its value chain comprises technically intensive stages, from on-site CO₂ capture to transportation and storage in a safe geological formation, either onshore or offshore. Developing a robust CCS value chain requires policy and financing support through a robust regulatory framework. The unique challenges of CCS require strategic planning, coordination among EU member states, and deep involvement of the industry. Bespoke approaches are needed that provide transport flexibility and open access to storage to address large geographical discrepancies between regions and industries. 

In summary, the adoption of CCS technology can play a significant role in reducing industrial emissions, but its implementation requires support from policymakers, the industry and society (including local communities). Developing a robust CCS value chain in the EU would provide a significant step towards achieving the climate goals at appropriate scales and timelines.