Polski
From the European Commission, Issue 23/2024
EU carbon dioxide removal certification framework
Dec
The European Council has approved the first EU-wide certification framework forCO2 removal, carbon-intensive techniques and carbon storage in products to encourageCO2 removal and reduce emissions from soil. The prepared regulation, as announced by the European Commission, is the first step toward a comprehensive certification framework.
EU carbon dioxide removal certification framework
Work officially began on November 30, 2024, when the European Commission proposed a regulation establishing a voluntary framework for the certification of high-qualityCO2 removal methods, as we reported in a previous article: European Commission proposes certification of carbon dioxide removal to help achieve net zero emissions.
After less than a year, the European Council adopted the negotiating mandate at Coreper level, and on November 21, 2023. European Parliament approved its position. After three rounds of negotiations, EU lawmakers reached an agreement on the final form of the regulation, and with that, the European Council officially approved the regulation in a vote on November 19, 2024.
How does the EU carbon dioxide removal certification framework work?
The EU’sCO2 removal certification framework includes measures such as:
- SustainableCO2 removal: capture and storage of atmospheric or biogenicCO2 for several centuries (e.g., bioenergy production with capture and storage, capture directly from the air and storage);
- CO2 storage activities that allowCO2 to be captured and stored in durable products for at least 35 years (e.g., in wood-based building products);
- Carbon-intensive techniques that increaseCO2 sequestration and storage in forests and soils, or that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from soils and are carried out over a period of at least five years (e.g., reforestation, restoration of peatlands or wetlands, improved fertilizer application).
What is the significance of the EU’s carbon dioxide removal certification framework?
Certification is key to providing greater clarity and transparency inCO2 removal activities and avoiding inaccuracies in their identification. The system is intended to encourage effective, sustainable and verifiable methods. The certifications will make it possible to validate actions, which is important for companies that want to show their commitment to climate protection.
CO2 removal by natural systems has declined in recent years, and its place has yet to be taken by industrial action. The EU, through the EU certification framework, wants to intensify carbon dioxide removal activities and is seeking to develop clear rules to regulate these activities.
How will the EU certification system work?
The certification process forCO2 removal activities is to be voluntary. To demonstrate compliance of their initiatives with the regulation, entities will be able to use the services of certification organizations. Such organizations will be subject to reliable and transparent monitoring, verification and reporting rules to promote confidence in the system and ensure environmental integrity. Accountability mechanisms will also be put in place to respond to any release of capturedCO2 back into the atmosphere.
To ensure transparency and full traceability of so-called certified units that benefit fromnet CO2 absorption or in terms of net soil emission reductions, the Commission will establish an EU-wide electronic registry 4 years after the regulation enters into force.
What steps must be taken to obtain certification?
To be certified,CO2 removal activitiesmust meet the following criteria:
- produce quantified benefits in terms of netCO2 sequestration or net soil emission reductions;
- meet the additionality criterion, meaning that they go beyond the basic requirements of the law for individual entities and should become financially viable due to the incentive effect provided by certification;
- serve to ensure long-term storage ofCO2 while minimizing the risk ofCO2 release;
- not cause serious damage to the environment and be able to bring additional benefits in the context of one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals.
