France Confirms Necessity of Carbon Capture Technologies

The French government last week published its long-awaited national strategy for CCUS.

The strategy calls for a progressive increase in capture capacity (with targets for 2025-2030, 2030-2040, and 2040-2050), the creation of a Carbon Contract for Difference (CCfD) mechanism and announces the creation of a regulatory framework for transport before the foreseen EU-level legislation on the issue.

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Chris Davies, Director of CCS Europe, commented on the publication of the strategy: "After a year of consultation, France now confirms that carbon capture technologies are needed to curb emissions from hard-to-abate industry sectors and to reduce the concentration of CO2 already in the atmosphere.”

The French strategy for CCUS calls for a progressive increase in capture capacity, with targets for 2025-2030, 2030-2040, and 2040-2050, The majority of which will come from two hub locations where infrastructure can be concentrated. The strategy also calls for the creation of a Carbon Contract for Difference (CCfD) mechanism and announces the creation of a regulatory framework for transport before the foreseen EU-level legislation on the issue.

In response to the targets for carbon capture laid out in the strategy, Davies said: “France says it wants to capture up to eight million tons of CO2 annually by 2030, growing to 20 million by 2040. This sends a strong message to governments across Europe that have yet to engage with the need for CCS to decarbonize industry, but there is a lot to be done in a short period if the 2030 target is to be achieved. Transport and storage infrastructure must be created where none exists at present, and this will require an active role by the government.

“While the publication of a CCUS strategy is a welcome first step, most important will now be for ministers quickly to provide details of the financial support that will be made available to create the business case for investment, without which nothing will happen.”