FNI Report 1/2026. Lysaker, FNI, 2026, 37 p. In Norwegian
This report examines the evolution of carbon capture and storage (CCS) policies and project developments in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, focusing on the period up to the end of 2025.
After years of limited progress and political headwinds, CCS has gained renewed momentum in Europe, driven by increasingly ambitious climate targets and the recognition that hard to abate industrial emissions require technological solutions beyond renewable energy and changes in the form of production. The analysis applies a framework combining structural factors—such as storage availability, industrial composition, and state structures—with national political dynamics, including political conflicts, interest group representation, political commitment, and access to EU funding.
The study finds significant differences between the three countries. Germany has struggled due to public opposition to onshore storage, federal veto structures, and a historically strong skepticism towards CCS, but interest in CCS for industrial sectors has grown since around 2019. The Netherlands, an early CCS frontrunner with strong offshore storage potential and industrial clustering, experienced major setbacks in early onshore projects but has re-emerged with large offshore industrial CCS initiatives such as Porthos and Aramis. The UK stands out with the highest and most consistent political commitment, broad industrial cluster strategies, and multiple full-chain projects under development. Overall, CCS developments in Europe have shifted from political headwind to emerging tailwind, although uncertainty remains regarding long-term policy robustness and funding stability.
