The role of CCS in Germany's energy transition towards climate neutrality

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) will play a role in German and European policies for climate neutrality .

· On the one hand, this development is driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from sources when other emission reduction options (energy and resource efficiency, renewable energies, electrification, hydrogen, biomass, etc.) cannot make a significant contribution.

· On the other hand, as the target horizons of climate-neutrality policies approach, the discussion about CO₂ sinks is becoming increasingly prevalent. These are either to offset emissions that are difficult to avoid, such as those from agriculture, waste management, process emissions, and indirect climate effects from hydrogen leakage and contrails from air traffic, or to establish net-negative economic activities in the long term (e.g. the EU's voluntary commitment after 2050).

However, the extent of (necessary) CCS use and the corresponding consequences for the regulatory framework are highly controversial for very different reasons.

This project will provide a transparent overview of the various relevant facets, i.e. the potentials and restrictions of CCS in the context of German and European policies on climate neutrality. Building on this, political and regulatory options for action and, where appropriate, alternatives will be identified and corresponding recommendations developed.