Germany advances climate goals with carbon storage legislation.

The German government has approved draft legislation to legalize underground carbon dioxide storage, a key step in meeting climate change goals, marking a significant policy shift, as the use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies was previously blocked in Germany.

Economy Minister, Katherina Reiche, explained that the legislation would allow CO2 to be captured at industrial sites, transported via pipelines, and stored underground, primarily beneath the seabed, stating that the focus is on sectors where emissions are currently unavoidable, such as cement, lime, and aluminum production, although the law excludes emissions from coal-fired power plants and prohibits storage in coastal waters and protected areas.

The Minister said that the bill must still be passed by lawmakers in parliament, and if approved, it would enable the construction of CO2 pipelines and allow German participation in cross-border storage projects. 

Reiche further said that states would also have the option to legalize permanent CO2 storage on land through regional legislation, marking a significant step towards decarbonizing German industry.

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