Path to sustainability: carbon removal in the Dutch energy system

Crucial role of carbon removal in climate strategy

The report 'Carbon removal in a sustainable Dutch energy system' (pdf) (in Dutch) investigates the crucial role of carbon removal in achieving these goals and what needs to happen over the next 25 years.

This report is based on the ADAPT and TRANSFORM energy scenarios, which outline different future visions for a climate-neutral energy system in the Netherlands. The analysis shows that CO₂ storage will increase to 40 and 15 Mton per year, respectively, to meet climate goals.

The ADAPT scenario assumes a less ambitious approach where fossil fuels are used for a longer period, while the TRANSFORM scenario presumes extensive sustainability measures and behavioural changes. Both scenarios foresee a significant increase in non-fossil CO₂ storage, essential for compensating for remaining greenhouse gas emissions.

Technologies for carbon removal

'Our findings show that technologies such as Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) and Direct Air Capture and Storage (DACCS) are essential to compensate for the remaining greenhouse gas emissions,' says Martin Scheepers, Senior Consultant Energy Transition, TNO.

Additionally, these technologies can reduce the CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere, which will help limit global temperature rise.

Application for policymakers, industry, and market parties

This report provides policymakers, industry leaders, and market with insights and concrete recommendations to develop effective strategies for carbon removal and climate neutrality.

Key recommendations

To accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy system, TNO gives the following recommendations:

• Invest in technology development to improve CO₂ capture. Research and development can enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of CO₂ capture technologies. This is crucial to enable the large-scale application of carbon removal.
• Create economic incentives to make investments attractive. It is important to provide financial incentives, such as subsidies and tax benefits, to motivate companies to invest in carbon removal technologies. This will help grow the market for CO₂ capture and storage.
• Develop policies to limit fossil fuels. Policy measures that reduce the use of fossil fuels, such as stricter emission standards and promoting renewable energy sources, are essential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral energy system.
• Implement a certification system for captured CO₂. A transparent and reliable certification system for captured CO₂ will ensure that carbon removal is measurable and verifiable. This will increase the confidence of investors and policymakers and stimulate the market for carbon removal.
• Regularly update scenarios based on new insights. It is important to regularly review and update energy scenarios based on the latest technological developments and policy changes. This will help keep carbon removal strategies relevant and effective.
• Explore the European market for CO₂ storage. By exploring the possibilities for CO₂ storage in Europe, we can identify new opportunities for international cooperation and the development of an integrated CO₂ storage market. This will contribute to the efficiency and scalability of carbon removal.

Collaboration for a sustainable future

These insights are essential for policymakers, industry, and knowledge institutions to develop effective strategies and accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy system. The report emphasizes the need for collaboration between various stakeholders to achieve climate goals.

"Our in-depth analysis shows that carbon removal is not only necessary to achieve climate neutrality but also to limit global temperature rise. This requires a joint effort from all involved parties." Martin Scheepers