EU carbon removal certification ‘a positive first step’, says ESWET

ESWET, a European association representing manufacturers in the Energy from Waste (EfW) field, has praised the European Commission's new roadmap on the carbon removal certification.

According to ESWET, the carbon removal certification is ‘a positive first step’ towards successfully implementing carbon capture, storage and utilisation (CCUS) technologies in Europe. The association also highlighted that specificities of all sectors, including EfW, should be taken into account to achieve the ‘2050 carbon-neutrality objectives’.

Considering the role that CCUS could play in achieving decarbonisation, ESWET referred to the latest IPCC report, which states that capturing and permanently storing biogenic CO2 can “enable waste to be a net-zero or even net-negative emissions energy source”.

Due to the heterogeneous composition of the non-recyclable waste treated, ESWET states, about 50 per cent of the emissions emitted by EfW plants are of biogenic origin, meaning from biomass. The association says that integration of CCUS could allow these plants to turn into carbon-negative emitters.

The association also asserted that thorough regulation regarding the successful implementation of CCUS in EfW plants is currently missing at an EU level.

With the aim of enabling the EfW sector to fully contribute to the EU decarbonisation efforts, ESWET has called for the carbon removal certification to:

• Establish a clear legislative framework with no contradiction with other decarbonisation instruments
• Facilitate the access to EU funding for EfW to integrate carbon capture, especially for large-scale plants
• Provide business case and financial incentive for removals of both fossil & biogenic CO2

A solid certification scheme, ESWET said, could also develop the full value chain, including carbon transport, storage and utilisation. In response to increased financial support for the full-scale deployment of infrastructure in Europe and the effectiveness of carbon removals, the association added, clear regulation should provide visibility to investors and facilitate new projects.