The European Commission announced today the adoption of its first set of voluntary certification methodologies for permanent carbon removals, aimed at providing clear standards for carbon removal technologies, to enable certification and investment in projects that permanently remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
The launch of the new standards follows the adoption of the Carbon Farming and Carbon Removals (CRCF) Regulation in 2024, initially proposed by the Commission in 2022 to establish the first EU-level certification framework for permanent carbon removals, carbon farming and carbon storage in products, and to create a certification system to quantify, monitor and verify carbon removals, and to counter greenwashing.
The new rules cover three types of carbon removal activities, including Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage (DACCS), Biogenic Emissions Capture with Carbon storage (BioCCS) and Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR). The Commission said that the first three technologies were selected based on their technological maturity and potential contribution to the EU’s climate objectives.
The new methodologies establish voluntary rules for carbon removals, including definitions for what counts as a tonne of removal, how permanence must be ensured, and how the key risks such as leakages and liabilities are addressed.
The new delegated regulation will be subject to a two-month scrutiny period by the European Parliament and Council, and, absent any extensions or objections, will be published in the EU’s Official Journal in early April, and come into force 20 days later.
With the rules and certification framework in place, the Commission said that DACCS, BioCCS, and biochar projects will be able to begin applying for EU certification, enabling the first projects to be certified within the coming months.
Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth said:
“The European Union is taking decisive action to lead the global effort in carbon removals. By establishing clear, robust voluntary standards, we are not only fostering responsible and climate action within Europe but also setting a global benchmark for others to follow.”
Industry participant applauded the launch of the new standard, with Christoph Gebald, CEO of DACCS-focused carbon removal provider Climeworks calling it “a new era for carbon removal in Europe.”
Gebald added:
“By setting clear, enforceable rules for permanent carbon removals, the Commission is effectively de-risking the sector for investors and buyers alike. This isn’t just a regulatory update; it is the creation of a blueprint for a global carbon market.”
The Commission added that it is in the process of finalizing two additional delegated regulations for certification methodologies, including carbon farming methodologies for activities such as agriculture and agroforestry, peatland rewetting and afforestation and for carbon storage in bio-based construction products, with adoption expected this year.
