Will the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal encourage carbon capture?

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

🗞️ Driving the news: Businesses and MEPs are urging European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to make Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage (CCUS) a central pillar of the upcoming Clean Industrial Deal (CID)
• The push includes calls for increased funding, a regulatory framework, and a focus on carbon transport infrastructure
• The CID, set to be unveiled on February 26, aims to address EU industrial competitiveness while meeting climate targets

🔭 The context: CCUS is seen as a key solution for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like cement, steel, and chemicals, which account for 25% of EU greenhouse gas emissions
• Despite an EU target of 50 million tonnes of CO₂ storage by 2030, current efforts are falling short
• Advocates argue that without additional investment—estimated at €10 billion by 2030—the EU risks lagging behind the U.S., which offers strong incentives under its Inflation Reduction Act

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: While CCUS can help reduce industrial emissions, environmental groups warn that it could extend the life of fossil fuel infrastructure rather than accelerating the transition to renewables
• Greenpeace argues that funding should prioritize proven renewable energy technologies instead
• Nonetheless, recent milestones, such as the Northern Lights project in Norway, suggest CCUS is moving toward full-scale deployment

⏭️ What's next: The CID is expected to include measures on financing, energy security, and industrial decarbonization
• The industry is also pushing for an EU-wide CO₂ storage market and stronger cooperation with the UK on carbon transport
• If CCUS is included in the CID, it could unlock major investments and shape Europe's industrial climate strategy for decades

💬 One quote: “CCUS offers Europe the opportunity to decarbonise without de-industrialising.” – Stefano Miriello, Head of EU External Affairs at CCSA

📈 One stat: The EU aims to capture 280 million tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2040, but current policies are not on track to meet this target.

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