German cabinet approves carbon capture and hydrogen plans

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euractiv or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Germany's cabinet has approved two draft bills to fast-track the integration of hydrogen and carbon capture technologies
• The goal is to support the country's carbon neutrality target by 2045 while maintaining its heavy industries

🔭 The context: Historically, Germany has limited carbon capture use but now aims to capture between 34 million and 73 million tons of CO2 annually by 2045
• The new legislation will streamline permitting for hydrogen infrastructure and support carbon capture in carbon-intensive industries

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These measures are vital for reducing Germany's greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as steel and chemicals
• Enhancing hydrogen infrastructure also reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels.

⏭️ What's next: The legislation will simplify legal and approval processes, allowing for faster development of hydrogen and carbon capture projects. Germany will also establish a legal framework for CO2 storage and export.

📈 One stat: Germany has an estimated CO2 storage capacity of 1.5 billion to 8.3 billion tons under the North Sea, capable of storing up to 20 million tons annually

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