As the European Commission is working on establishing regulations for the industrial carbon removal market, it has launched a call for input for Industrial Removal Certification Methodologies.
The call for input represents a questionnaire that aims to obtain a comprehensive overview of existing certification methodologies for industrial carbon removal practices and to understand how (and whether) they ensure that carbon removals are accurately quantified and additional, the carbon is stored for the long-term, and how/ whether carbon removal activities are sustainable.
Relevant: Companies Urge EU To Publish The Industrial Carbon Management Strategy In 2023
The survey is structured along the proposed by the Commission QU.A.L.ITY criteria, at the beginning of each section, there is a short explanation of each criterion. The replies may not show alignment with them.
The results of the survey will be presented during a meeting of the Expert Group on Carbon Removals, planned for the 25 and 26 October 2023.
The four QU.A.L.ITY criteria are used to ensure the reliability and comparability of carbon removals. They are also explained in more detail in the accompanying Impact Assessment. They are as follows:
- Quantification: Carbon removal activities need to be measured accurately and deliver unambiguous benefits for the climate;
- Additionality: Carbon removal activities need to go beyond existing practices and what is required by law;
Relevant: EU Launches Public Consultation On The Industrial Carbon Management Strategy
- Long-term storage: Certificates are linked to the duration of carbon storage so as to ensure permanent storage;
- Sustainability: Carbon removal activities must preserve or contribute to sustainability objectives such as climate change adaptation, circular.
The Commission is seeking responses from actors in the field of industrial carbon removals that can provide technical information about how existing certification methodologies address the challenges behind the four QU.A.L.ITY criteria.
