The German chemical industry is urging rapid development of a nationwide pipeline network for carbon dioxide (CO2) storage, as parliamentary discussions on legislation for permanent underground CO2 storage progress. Wolfgang Große Entrup, the managing director of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), emphasized to the “Rheinische Post” that the CO2 pipeline network is crucial for the future of industrial competitiveness and achieving climate targets. He proposed designating it as a critical infrastructure of public interest, similar to the hydrogen backbone network, to expedite planning and construction. He also advocated for government financial support and risk mitigation, arguing that relying solely on private funding would hinder its development.
However, the German Nature Conservation Ring (DNR) has cautioned against overoptimistic expectations. DNR President Kai Niebert stated that Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) can only make a marginal contribution, citing its energy intensity, high costs and inherent risks. He warned that widespread deployment could impede the energy transition and solidify reliance on fossil fuels rather than reducing it.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) acknowledges CCS as a tool for managing difficult-to-avoid emissions from sectors like cement, steel and chemicals. However, the IPCC also cautions that CCS plans could dilute incentives for immediate and necessary emissions reductions. Recent studies have indicated that globally available CO2 storage capacities are significantly lower than previously estimated by research and industry.
