Key elements of the European Commission's CCU working group: towards sustainable innovation in Europe

The Industrial Carbon Management Forum (ICM Forum) is a key initiative aimed at fostering innovation and cooperation between industrial and institutional stakeholders for the development of Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies. At the latest meeting of the CCU Working Group held on January 23, 2025, and attended by Christophe CERF, CSO of DT Master Carbon, several significant advances were discussed.

Main lessons and recommendations

The Working Group's report highlighted several strategic recommendations to accelerate the deployment of CCU technologies:

• Simplification of regulations : avoiding excessive administrative burden for businesses during the implementation phase.

• Adapted accounting framework : Support a carbon accounting model favorable to non-permanent CCU products under the EU ETS system.

• Review of "sunset" clauses : examine the 2036 and 2041 clauses relating to GHG methodology.

• Circular carbon integration : establishing a minimum percentage of recycled carbon in industrial products.

• Distinguishing industrial emissions : differentiating unavoidable emissions from industrial processes from those resulting from combustion.

• Mass balance system : defining a framework for managing mixed CO2 emission streams.

• Market support mechanisms : stimulating demand for CCU products through standards and financial incentives.

Key findings of the report

• Regulatory clarity : need to simplify and harmonize sectoral rules to encourage investment.

• Infrastructure and financing : investment in CO2 transport and establishment of financing mechanisms such as the Innovation Fund.

• Markets and standardization : creation of clear certification standards to strengthen the credibility of CCU products.

• Research and Innovation : support for pilot projects to accelerate technological development and reduce costs.

Next steps

The complexity of the issues raised led to the proposal to extend the work of the working group at least until the next plenary session, with four additional meetings planned .

Topics to be covered will include:

• Monitoring regulatory developments, including the revision of the EU ETS in 2026.

• Analysis of sector specificities in carbon accounting.

• Exploring new technological avenues, such as gasification and recycling of carbon from waste.

• Participation in a policy session during the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) .

The ICM Forum continues to play a central role in shaping European industrial policies related to the CCU. Its impact will depend on stakeholders' ability to translate these recommendations into concrete actions. Watch this space!