Klaus Tobias Mosbacher, Executive Director of ECCSEL ERIC, and Volker Röhling, Operations Manager, recently presented in an EERA CCS webinar how ECCSEL ERIC is evolving to drive Europe’s Industrial Carbon Management Strategy. By expanding its role in research and collaboration across Europe, ECCSEL is poised to accelerate the development of critical Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies, contributing to Europe’s path to net-zero emissions.

Elevating ECCSEL ERIC: Preparing for the European Industrial Carbon Management Strategy

In February 2024, the European Union unveiled its first-ever Europe-wide Industrial Carbon Management Strategy (ICMS). This strategic initiative aims to establish a comprehensive framework for capturing, utilizing, and storing carbon across the continent, supporting Europe’s ambitious goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Germany and Denmark Lead the Charge

Following the EU’s announcement, Germany, the continent’s largest emitter, responded with a milestone agenda focused on permanently capturing and removing CO2. Denmark, often referred to as the “speedboat” within the European CCUS community, has made significant strides in scaling up its CCUS efforts, becoming a symbol of rapid progress and innovation.

ECCSEL ERIC: Expanding Research Infrastructure for Net Zero

ECCSEL ERIC (European Research Infrastructure Consortium for CCUS), founded in 2017 and headquartered in Trondheim, Norway, is at the forefront of supporting Europe’s net-zero ambitions. As the world’s largest research infrastructure dedicated to CCUS, ECCSEL is adapting to meet the increasing demands from both the research community and industry. During the webinar, Klaus Tobias Mosbacher and Volker Röhling shared how ECCSEL is expanding and evolving its infrastructure to accelerate research and development in CCUS and CDR technologies.

Supporting European Industrial Carbon Management Strategy

The presentation highlighted ECCSEL’s expanding role in supporting both research and industry through the development of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies.

These advancements are essential for Europe’s net-zero ambitions and are directly aligned with the EU’s Industrial Carbon Management Strategy.

Strategic Outlook: Aligning with Europe’s Carbon Management Goals

ECCSEL ERIC’s strategic outlook is closely aligned with the EU’s Industrial Carbon Management Strategy. The organisation is focused on enhancing its capacity to support the capture, permanent storage and utilization of approximately 450 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2050—a key target for achieving climate neutrality.

This includes expanding its research beyond CO2 capture and storage to encompass the removal of atmospheric CO2 through technologies such as BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage) and DAC (Direct Air Capture).

In addition to expanding its research portfolio, ECCSEL is pursuing regional growth, engaging with new member countries such as Poland, Germany, and Denmark. This expansion is crucial as ECCSEL seeks to strengthen its presence in Central Europe and support Europe’s broader industrial carbon management agenda.

A Comprehensive Research and Innovation Infrastructure

ECCSEL ERIC provides open access to over 100 world-class CCUS and CDR research facilities across Europe. This research infrastructure supports both national and EU Industrial Carbon Management Strategies by addressing research needs across the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) spectrum, from TRL1 to TRL7. ECCSEL’s mission is to reduce costs, de-risk investments, and support safe operations, making CCUS and CDR technologies commercially viable and socially accepted.

The organization’s research portfolio now includes not only CO2 reduction and utilization but also low-carbon energy storage, geothermal technologies, and subsurface feedstocks such as hydrogen and compressed air.

This expanded focus reflects ECCSEL’s commitment to supporting the entire carbon management value chain, from capture to storage, utilization, and removal. That will eventually lead to an extended scope of the ECCSEL ERIC Research Landscape as follows: 

Accessing ECCSEL’s Facilities

ECCSEL ERIC’s facilities are available to researchers and industry through two primary funding models: project funding and self-funded access. The organisation is involved in several EU projects, including the recently launched ECCSELLENT project in Italy, which provides transnational access to ECCSEL’s Italian facilities. This project, along with others, supports researchers and industry players in advancing their CCUS and CDR initiatives.

To enhance user experience, ECCSEL is updating its website to offer easier access to information and resources, including detailed fact sheets for each facility and regular updates through newsletters and social media channels.

Looking Ahead: ECCSEL’s Role in Europe’s Carbon Management Future

As Europe continues to pursue its net-zero goals, ECCSEL ERIC is well-positioned to play a critical role in supporting the development and deployment of carbon management technologies. By expanding its research infrastructure, engaging with new member countries, and providing open access to cutting-edge research facilities, ECCSEL ERIC is not only contributing to Europe’s carbon management strategy but also driving the global transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Join the Conversation

This webinar is part of an ongoing webinar series hosted by EERA CCS. The series is one of the many benefits of being a member of our joint programme, fostering a dynamic environment where researchers, academics, and industry professionals can discuss, challenge, and enhance their understanding of critical topics in the field. This consistent exchange of knowledge and ideas through such webinars contributes to EERA CCS's mission of accelerating the development and deployment of carbon capture and storage technologies.

Stay tuned for more updates in our series as we continue to explore innovative advancements in CCS technology.