Bioenergy Europe welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for a Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) put forward in November last year with the aim to develop a trustworthy system to quantify and valorise removals and achieve climate neutrality.

The proposal outlines the start of a process, and we support a sound and harmonised governance framework that is much needed for this essential sector. There is way too much fragmentation in voluntary space regarding carbon certification – and having a scheme developed at the EU level will provide greater certainty, transparency, and clarity for the industry. It is also a chance for the EU to set the standard and lead the way in establishing a world-leading carbon removal certification framework that could be used as a blueprint across the world. Bioenergy Europe also welcomes the EU Commission’s proposal for the certification of carbon removal that allows for a clear differentiation between fossil and renewable biogenic carbon.

However, as it is right now, the proposal requires further improvements to ensure that the QU.A.L.ITY (Quantification, Additionality and baselines, Long-term storage, and Sustainability) criteria produce reliable and high-quality net removals.

The CRCF represents an opportunity for building the right policy framework that will underpin investments in both natural and industrial carbon removal, e.g., BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage), DACS (direct air capture and storage)  and BCR (biochar carbon removal). 

With this in mind, we welcome a discussion on how certified industrial carbon removals will be incorporated under the EU’s 2040 GHG emission reduction target and the underlying scenarios.

In addition, it is primordial to encourage a wide recognition of the EU framework via its adoption by internationally active certification schemes. Therefore, the EC should advance the harmonisation of removal certifications beyond European borders, while acknowledging opportunities for private contributions within the emerging Article 6 framework at the UNFCCC. We would like to see in the future the possibility for projects based outside the EU to apply under the voluntary EU certifications scheme. While such certificates may need to be treated differently for the purpose of inclusion in a registry, this would speed up the process of harmonisation beyond EU borders and boost these emerging markets.

For more information please access our answer to the consultation below.

• Bioenergy Europe's Feedback on the Proposal for a Carbon Removal Certification Framework

  27-03-2023

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