New paper explores Carbon Capture and Storage’s potential and barriers in the chemical sector’s transition to climate neutrality

The European chemical industry supports the EU ambition to become climate neutral and the need for a comprehensive European strategy on industrial carbon management, vital to the sector’s transition and competitiveness.

As a hard-to-abate sector, the chemical industry faces unique challenges in reducing its emissions. Tackling both combustion-related and unavoidable process emissions demands innovative solutions and a full range of technologies. Our latest research paper, Chemical Industry Access to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), explores both the immense potential and the critical barriers to deploying CCS, a key technology for reaching climate neutrality in the chemical sector.

CCS: a key technology for emissions reduction

CCS stands out as a crucial technology for the chemical industry, offering a pathway to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions at scale and in the short term. By capturing carbon dioxide directly at industrial point sources where concentrations are highest, CCS minimises both emissions and the energy needed for capture and purification. This makes it one of the most efficient solutions for managing emissions inherent to chemical processes.

In a technology-neutral framework, CCS complements other emissions abatement options, such as Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU). Together, these technologies can build a robust industrial carbon management system.

The challenges: addressing EU infrastructure and the business case for CCS deployment

This paper outlines barriers to shaping the chemical industry’s access to CCS:

• Fragmented infrastructure in the EU: The paper identifies regional gaps in CO2 transport and storage infrastructure across the EU, leaving high-potential industrial facilities disconnected. Developing a harmonised CCS cross-border infrastructure, including pipelines, barges, and trains, is critical to address these challenges.
• The need for a business case for CCS deployment: The research paper underscores the need to create a sustainable long-term business model. Key provisions include creating a market for low-carbon products, supporting CAPEX and OPEX, deploying infrastructure networks, and establishing a supportive regulatory framework.
  CCS represents an essential pathway for the chemical industry to meet its climate neutrality goals while remaining competitive. To learn more about the challenges and solutions for making this technology accessible and effective, read the full paper.