Germany CO2 Storage Act set to boost exports
Germany Federal Cabinet approval for a draft bill amending its CO2 Storage Act is a key element in facilitating exports, according to Provaris Energy.
The company is actively involved in both hydrogen and CO2 storage and transport projects, with a focus on supplying hydrogen to Germany.
Reacting to the latest policy developments, it said, “Germany is clearly committing to the industrial use and storage of CO2, especially for emissions that are difficult to avoid in sectors such as cement, lime and waste incineration.
“Since CO2 pipelines and storage capacity have not yet been established in Germany, the law initially facilitates export – and Norway is ready.”
It said the changes are “nicely timed” with its FEED phase now underway on a large scale low-pressure LCO2 tank, supported by partner Yinson Production.
The facility targets demand for storage and injection in the Norway offshore sector, as well as the broader LCO2 shipping sector.
Key components of the proposed legislation include:
- Authorisation of storage sites, permitting the development and operation of commercial offshore facilities for the geologic storage of CO2 (but not within marine protected areas)
- Facilitation of exports and cross-border transport of CO2
Martin Carolan, Managing Director and CEO, added, “Germany is laying the legal basis for the use of carbon capture and utilisation as well as for cross-border transport of CO2, particularly towards Norway.”
But he said before the law comes into force, both the Bundestag and the Federal Council must approve it.
Green energy company Tree Energy Solutions (TES) and engineering firm Ramboll recently completed a joint study for a planned CO2 export terminal at TES’s Green Energy Hub in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, paving the way for pre-FEED work to begin later this year.
