Feedback to the public consultation on CO₂ transportation infrastructure and markets

The Communication on a 2040 climate target and its impact assessment underscores the need for carbon capture utilisation and storage (‘CCUS’) to meet the EU 2050 climate objectives. The Industrial Carbon Management strategy, published at the same time in February 2024, recognises the need for a legislative initiative with a view to ensuring the development of competitive markets and transportation infrastructure for CO₂. The political guidelines for the 2024-2029 Commission reiterate this need. This initiative will implement this ambition.

Carbon Gap proposes that as Europe is setting the course for infrastructure rules that will underpin its carbon management system for decades, the upcoming Regulation will make up the network blueprint that will define who gets to participate in Europes carbon management and who is left behind. The stakes are high, but the litmus test is simple: Does the system keep the door open for carbon removals (and utilisation) or simply defaults to incumbent CCS use cases? We welcome the opportunity to respond to the call for evidence on the upcoming CO₂ transportation infrastructure and markets regulation. Our recommendations are outlined in the position attached.