Spanish EU Presidency draws criticism on carbon capture technology

(EurActiv, 20 Jul 2023) Spain, the current holder of the EU Council presidency, has been accused of undermining the adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in Europe following the circulation of a discussion paper that questions the EU’s approach.

The discussion paper was circulated to EU member states earlier this month to unearth gaps in consensus.

But CCS advocates complained the document showed a bias towards the technological solution, which proponents say is vital to meeting the EU’s 2050 net-zero target.

“Heads of government recognised 16 years ago that CCS would be needed to help curb CO2 emissions,” said Chris Davies, director of advocacy body CCS Europe.

“It is very disappointing that the Spanish Presidency should seek to frustrate measures that are essential if a significant reduction in CO2 emissions from industrial sources is to be achieved,” he added.

CCS technology removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and injects it underground, where it will remain for hundreds of years, removing its contribution to global warming. 

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EurActiv, 20 Jul 2023: Spanish EU Presidency draws criticism on carbon capture technology