What Are Carbon Removal Programs?

We take a look at some of the different types of carbon removal methods that are currently being developed, both from a natural and technological angle, as well as how they may benefit us on a short and longer-term basis.  

Europe’s leadership in carbon removal

Key policies, funding, and dedicated campaigns underpin Europe’s carbon removal program. While it’s not the only region to implement carbon removal, Europe is taking strides to ensure it is high on the agenda as part of its overall carbon reduction plan.

How the EU Green Deal supports carbon removal

The EU Green Deal was launched in 2019 with the aim of setting out the milestones for the EU to reach climate neutrality by 2050. The Green Deal is the EU’s contribution to the Paris Agreement. Areas it concerns include agriculture, transport, energy, finance, and industry.

Policies and targets for carbon removal

As carbon removal develops, so do the policies alongside it. Under the EU’s Fit for 55 package legislation, 310 million tonnes of CO2 must be removed from the environment in the forestry, land use, and land use change industries. Other voluntary schemes focus on speeding up carbon removal processes, ensuring quality standards, or creating jobs in the carbon removal field.

Funding and incentives to drive progress

A number of different funding mechanisms are in place to help roll out carbon removal on a broader scale. The largest globally is the Innovation Fund, which supports innovative and new carbon reduction technologies while encouraging the development of new methods in the field.

Types of carbon removal programs in Europe

As the carbon removal industry has evolved, so have the methods used to remove carbon. We investigate the different types of carbon removal programs currently operating in Europe.

Natural Carbon Removal Solutions

Carbon removal is a natural process that occurs when plants move carbon dioxide from the air. Certain carbon removal processes harness the power of nature to remove carbon dioxide.

Reforestation:

• Increasing forest coverage in regions where forests have been destroyed.

Afforestation:

• Creating forests in areas where forest cover did not previously exist.

Soil Carbon Sequestration:

• Implemented in agriculture, this method improves farmland to maximise carbon storage.

Technical carbon removal approaches

Two prominent technical approaches to carbon removal include:

Direct Air Capture (DAC):

• Removes carbon dioxide directly from the air using fan-like mechanical systems, storing it deep underground. It can even eliminate legacy carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS):

• Bioenergy captures and stores carbon dioxide when biomass is burned for energy or converted into fuels. BECCS is unique because it generates energy while removing carbon dioxide.

Hybrid and innovative carbon removal solutions

Hybrid solutions bridge the gap between technological and natural methods. Examples include construction and manufacturing processes where carbon is stored in durable materials like wood, preventing it from being released back into the environment.

Challenges facing Europe’s carbon removal efforts

While carbon removal seems like an obvious solution to achieving climate goals, several challenges are preventing its widespread implementation.

High costs and investment barriers

Initial and ongoing costs are a significant challenge for carbon removal solutions. Synthetic carbon removal methods, such as DAC, are particularly expensive due to high capital and operational costs, which limits their scalability beyond pilot projects.

Limited scalability of current technologies

Access to land and fragmented ownership can act as a barrier to land-based carbon removal solutions. Additionally, these solutions often require significant arable land, potentially impacting biodiversity and competing with other land uses.

Policy and regulatory challenges

Some carbon removal initiatives, like regenerative agriculture, face setbacks due to existing policies. For instance, agricultural insurance schemes may discourage farmers from adopting carbon-focused soil health practices.

Public perception and acceptance issues

Public pushback remains a concern, particularly regarding the space that renewable technologies occupy. Wind turbines and solar panels have faced criticism for altering landscapes, and carbon removal infrastructure could face similar challenges. Concerns include land use conflicts and aesthetic impacts on natural surroundings.

Opportunities for collaboration in carbon removal

Despite the challenges, Europe has significant opportunities to integrate carbon removal solutions into its broader climate strategy.

Public-private partnerships driving carbon removal progress

Public-private collaborations are already driving interest and investment in carbon removal technologies. As of 2023, the Science Based Targets initiative found that approximately 2,399 companies had committed to net-zero targets, signalling growing support from businesses and governments alike.

Economic and employment benefits

Scaling carbon removal solutions can generate specialist jobs, contributing to economic growth while reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Job creation in research, technology development, and infrastructure implementation offers long-term benefits for Europe’s economy.

Advancing transparency and technological innovation

Ensuring transparency around the effectiveness and methods of carbon removal will be crucial for building trust and accelerating adoption. Continuous technological innovation can also drive down costs, making carbon removal more accessible and scalable.

By addressing current challenges and leveraging innovation, Europe is well-positioned to lead the charge in carbon removal efforts for a more sustainable future.