The Clean Air Task Force (CATF), in collaboration with Bellona and 37 other organizations, has issued a joint letter urging European Commission leaders to embrace an ambitious Clean Industrial Deal (CID) as a critical driver of industrial decarbonization across Europe.
Recognizing the pivotal role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in achieving the EU’s climate targets, the signatories emphasize that the CID presents a crucial opportunity to solidify Europe’s position as a global leader in climate action.
The CATF joint letter outlines several key priorities for the European Commission to consider when shaping the CID:
- Prioritizing Sustainability: The CID must place sustainability at its core, ensuring that all proposed solutions and investments genuinely contribute to long-term environmental protection and avoid creating new environmental burdens.
- Fostering Cohesion: The CID should promote cohesion across member states, ensuring that all regions can participate in and benefit from the transition to a low-carbon industrial sector.
- Ensuring a Just Transition: The transition to a decarbonized industry must be just and equitable, protecting workers and communities affected by the shift away from traditional industries.
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- Developing Robust CO2 Infrastructure: Recognizing the crucial role of CCS, the letter emphasizes the urgent need for substantial investment in the development of robust CO2 transport and storage infrastructure. This includes pipelines, storage facilities, and hubs, which are essential for enabling the widespread deployment of CCS technology.
- Creating Market Demand for Low-Carbon Products: Stimulating demand for low-carbon industrial products is essential for driving innovation and scaling up production. The CID should include measures such as public procurement policies, carbon pricing mechanisms, and labeling schemes to encourage businesses and consumers to choose sustainable options.
- Bridging the Funding Gap: Significant financial resources are required to support the deployment of decarbonization technologies and infrastructure. The CID must address the funding gap by mobilizing public and private investment, including through innovative financing mechanisms and targeted support for demonstration projects and early-stage deployment.
- Building International Partnerships: The letter calls for fostering international partnerships to accelerate the development and deployment of clean technologies, promote knowledge sharing, and ensure a level playing field for businesses operating in different regions.
The signatories, which include industry players like Nuada, Air Liquide, Slb Capturi, SINTEF, Horisont Energi, Baker Hughes and others, believe that by prioritizing these key elements, the European Commission can leverage the Clean Industrial Deal to create a truly transformative framework that drives industrial decarbonization, strengthens European competitiveness, and contributes to the global fight against climate change.
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