This week, the EU Council made a historic move by approving a new regulation to establish the first official EU-level certification framework for permanent carbon removal, carbon farming, and CO2 storage in products. The decision is part of a broader strategy to help the EU achieve its goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050.
A New Era for Carbon Removal in the EU
The regulation will introduce an elaborate certification system for carbon removals and soil emission reductions across EU member states. It includes three key areas: permanent carbon removal, carbon storage in products, and carbon farming.
This framework will provide a clear structure for certifying carbon reduction activities and ensuring that they meet long-term sustainability criteria.
Three Key Areas of Carbon Removal
The first area is permanent carbon removal, which covers technologies such as Direct Air Capture with Storage (DACS) and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). These technologies capture and store CO2 for centuries. The second area focuses on carbon storage in products like wood-based construction materials, where CO2 is stored for at least 35 years.
The third area is carbon farming, which aims to enhance CO2 sequestration in soils and forests. This includes projects like reforestation, peatland restoration, and improved fertilizer use. Such projects must have a minimum duration of five years to qualify for certification.
Certification Requirements for Carbon Projects
To qualify for certification, projects must demonstrate long-term CO2 storage, quantified carbon removal, or soil emission reductions. They must also be “additional,” meaning they go beyond legal requirements and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, certified projects must be verified by third-party entities to ensure they meet the necessary criteria.
Impact of the New Regulation
The newly-approved regulation will be published in the EU’s Official Journal and will enter into force 20 days after publication. It will apply across all EU member states, offering a structured approach to carbon removal efforts. This move is a crucial step toward helping the EU meet its ambitious climate goals.
The EU’s new carbon removal certification framework represents a major milestone in the fight against climate change. It sets clear guidelines for carbon capture, storage, and farming projects while ensuring they meet sustainability and environmental standards. As the EU works toward carbon neutrality by 2050, this regulation will play a pivotal role in achieving those objectives.