The Negative Emissions Platform (NEP) has published a new discussion paper that outlines ideas on how the EU can support carbon dioxide removal (CDR) growth by 2030.
Authored by NEP CDR Financing Lead Atilla Yucel, the publication proposes short-term action, as the field awaits more long-term support to be provided via mechanisms such as the EU ETS, which is still discussing the inclusion of removals within its framework.
According to the NEP paper, CO2 removal projects in Europe are stuck in a phase of uncertainty where progress and final investment decisions depend on offtakes, while on the other side of the equation, buyers face claiming ambiguity and high purchasing costs.
To address this situation, the paper suggests practical advice on what can be done in the EU between now and 2030 to drive near-term CDR demand.
One of the main propositions is the creation of an EU Buyers’ Club that would aggregate demand, standardize due diligence and contracts, and offer a streamlined participation process for mid-sized companies.
Additionally, the EU could back CDR through funding support provided via fixed per-tonne payments that would be paid upon verified delivery through the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation, which is currently released as a draft and gathering public feedback.
As pointed out in the paper, this funding support should be designed to fortify anchor offtakes and stimulate blended finance from the European Union and its member states, as well as private buyers. In this regard, the paper notes that the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank is positioned to deliver scale by complementing the support provided by the EU Innovation Fund.
Relevant: EU Is Now Looking For Input On The CRCF Regulation
Removals in the EU can also be aided through predictable implementation, starting with a €1 billion (nearly $1.2 billion) pilot in 2026, along with purchasing support across CDR pathways in recurring rounds, public communication, and events that would foster engagement with this field and boost the market confidence.
These and more ideas are presented in detail in the brief, called Making a Short-Term EU Purchasing Programme Work for Permanent CDR, available for download here.
Read more: remove Announces The New CDR Startups To Join Its European Accelerator Program
