Carbon Dioxide Removal
Background
The EU has committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. While reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remains the priority, carbon dioxide removals (CDR) are essential to compensate for residual emissions that cannot be eliminated.
In 2024, the EU adopted the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification Framework (CRCF), establishing a voluntary EU-wide system to certify high-quality carbon removals, carbon farming and carbon storage in products. In 2026, the European Commission adopted the first certification methodologies for permanent carbon removals, including BioCCS, biochar carbon removal and DACCS.
In July 2026, the European Commission proposed a revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), foreseeing a mechanism to support permanent carbon removals through the purchase of certified BioCCS and DACCS removals, with the objective of delivering 250 million tonnes of removals by 2040. Co-legislators are currently discussing the file.
The role of bioenergy
Bioenergy can contribute to permanent carbon removals through Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BioCCS) and Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR).
BioCCS involves capturing biogenic CO₂ generated during bioenergy production and permanently storing it, typically in geological formations. It combines renewable energy production with carbon removals, contributing to the EU’s climate objectives.
Biochar carbon removal involves converting biomass through pyrolysis, producing a stable carbon-rich material that can store carbon over long periods. Biochar can be used in applications such as agriculture and construction materials.
Both technologies offer opportunities to develop European carbon removal value chains, although investment costs, infrastructure needs and regulatory uncertainty remain barriers to deployment.
Our position
Bioenergy Europe supports the EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification Framework (CRCF) and the integration of permanent carbon removals into the EU ETS, provided this complements emissions reductions and preserves a predictable carbon-price signal.
Bioenergy Europe calls for the delivery of 250 million tonnes of permanent removals within the existing ETS cap, early purchasing commitments to secure investment, and the inclusion of biochar – with the appropriate safeguards to maintain proportionality between methodologies and scalability of BioCCS projects – alongside BioCCS and DACCS. It also advocates allowing ETS operators to purchase eligible removals from third-party projects, subject to robust environmental safeguards.
