As efforts to decarbonise our economy and energy systems pick up, we are seeing an increased reliance on decarbonized fuels, gas in particular – often times referred to as “renewable” and “low-carbon” gases. While low carbon intensity gases and fuels can contribute on the path to net-zero by 2050 – the terminology is confusing, with no common definition to determine when in fact a gas or fuel is renewable or low-carbon.

This briefing outlines our assessment of the package and provides broad recommendations on how to improve its implementation and the revision of the files it contains. In other words, it is an initial analysis, based on our key areas of expertise, including heavy industry, mobility and climate accounting, of related topics as they emerge across the different legislative files of the package.  

While the published proposal is an important step on the path to delivering on the ambitions set in the European Green Deal, important changes to the draft are necessary to safeguard the climate impact of the CEEAG Guidelines.

Steel is all around us. In our houses, cars, refrigerators and the wind farm outside our window. Its link to rising living standards across the globe means that the demand for steel is expected to increase by more than a third by 2050. To avoid a corresponding increase in emissions, we need to improve how we use, re-use and produce steel.

This is the first briefing to introduce the CO2 intensity of hydrogen calculation methodology into the debate. In the absence of other clear guidelines for projects for hydrogen and their compatibility with the net-zero future, this is the first go-to guide.

As efforts to decarbonise our economy and energy systems pick up, we are seeing an increased reliance on decarbonized fuels, gas in particular – often times referred to as “renewable” and “low-carbon” gases. While low carbon intensity gases and fuels can contribute on the path to net-zero by 2050 – the terminology is confusing, with no common definition to determine when in fact a gas or fuel is renewable or low-carbon. 

Impact Assessment of REDII Delegated Act on Electrolytic Hydrogen CO2 Intensity:
A clear call for additional renewables

The Renewable Energy Directive (RED) will be the legislative cornerstone for emission reductions in many sectors. By setting a clear legislative guidepost, the RED can significantly contribute to climate change mitigation. Setting up the right framework for such Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and deployment can prevent adverse effects, such as excessive biomass consumption, the continued use of fossil electricity sources or false accounting.

This briefing outlines the basic greenhouse gas accounting principles for the assessment of the climate impact of synthetic hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals.

“Ten-E missing puzzle piece on pathway to Net-Zero” which aims to explain how the inclusion of TEN-E could contribute to the EU climate
objectives and the deployment of a net-zero future. the Revised TEN-E European Commission’s draft neglects some key elements for geologic storage and transport modalities other than pipeline –  integral parts of the value chain of carbon capture, removal and storage. A monumental shift in policy is needed to scale it – and we believe TEN-E is a perfect place to start.

Carbon capture projects require guaranteed, reliable access to safe and cost-effective CO2 transport and storage. Without this it will not be possible for capture projects to secure investment, or for CCS to play the role it needs to play in reaching emissions reductions goals.

Contracts giving incentives for reducing emissions by carbon capture have a valuable role to play in stimulating deployment of early CCS. Contracts may be Contracts for Difference (CfDs) on the market carbon price, but will not necessarily be so. The form of the contract will depend on how changes in carbon prices affect project income.

This policy brief outlines and explains the current framework that is in place to deliver CCS as one of the decarbonisation solutions for Dutch industry through a combination of support instruments, most notably the SDE++, and increasing penalties for emitting CO2 through a new carbon tax that effectively tops up the EU ETS price.