CCU Forum on European and Norwegian Policy Framework

On the 14th of November, the third instalment of the CCU Forum commenced, focusing on the European and Norwegian policy framework. 

Aker Carbon Capture opened the show as the company of the month, sharing their thoughts on CCU from the perspective of being a carbon capture company. It was particularly interesting to hear their perspectives and learnings when it comes to establishing CCU facilities close to or at a distance from the emitter. Both cases provide benefits and challenges related to the value chains, economics and integration of processes. 

Policy Director Tudy Bernier from CO2 Value Europe shared the latest developments of the policy framework in Europe, showcasing what has been adopted and what is pending adoption and development in the Fit-for-55 package concerning CCU. Key takeaways from the presentation include;

• The EU gives an unprecedented role to CCU in the new legislation

• There is now an almost complete framework for CCU fuels

• The rules for CO2 mineralization are close to completion

• Discussions on CCU chemicals are at an earlier stage but will build on precedents from CCU fuels

Anne Marit Post-Melbye from Zero also shared Zero's thoughts on CCU in Norway and the status of Norwegian CCU policy. Key takeaways from the presentation include;

• We need to keep carbon in the loop but leave fossils in the ground

• CCU represents an option to produce a range of products such as fuels, plastics and chemicals, where the product should replace a fossil product and show positive climate impacts

• We should not be too concerned about CCU vs CCS. Both need to have policies in place, and CCU can contribute with faster market building and accelerate carbon capture. 

• There does not exist a developed policy landscape in Norway when it comes to CCU.

Summarizing this Forum, it is clear that the Norwegian CCU policy framework is severely underdeveloped compared to how the policy framework is developing in the rest of Europe. Not to mention the speed at which the European policy landscape is moving. The EU will soon have concrete rules in place for how to produce CCU fuels, CCU chemicals and CCU mineralization in a sustainable manner, followed by methodologies for how to calculate emissions reductions in various sectors such as maritime and aviation.

It is highly important that the Norwegian CCU community comes together to voice our needed national framework conditions to develop a thriving CCU industry. CCUS Norway is now developing a new position paper that will front the required framework conditions based on the needs of the CCU community and will be used in dialogue with the government and decision-makers.

Therefore, we urge community members to provide input to the Forum leaders, who will implement your input in the position paper. Let’s join forces and make Norwegian CCU policy a reality.