The National Infrastructure Commission is inviting businesses, policy makers, scientists, academics, thinktanks and investors to share their views on the potential of emerging technologies designed to remove harmful greenhouse gas emissions directly from the atmosphere and store them.

The Commission has today (20/1/21) launched a new call for evidence as part of its study examining how Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR) technologies can help the UK achieve its ambition of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The study will focus on the two most developed technologies: Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCCS) and Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BCCS). Both make use of carbon capture and storage technology. Natural solutions such as the use of forests as ‘carbon sinks’ will play an important part in the UK’s climate change strategy and reducing emissions, but lie outside the scope of this study.

Sir John Armitt, chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, said: “Achieving net zero means looking beyond decarbonising how the UK generates its energy and considering all parts of the carbon cycle. By thinking creatively and boldly now about the role greenhouse gas removal technologies could play, we have the potential to transform our economy and give the UK a global competitive advantage.

“This study will consider what we need to do to ensure this potential technology can flourish. That means it’s essential we have the right policy and planning frameworks that will stimulate investment and ensure the best solutions are deployed at the right time to bolster broader efforts to tackle climate change.”

In the first stage of its study, the Commission is seeking evidence and ideas in response to twelve questions covering how the effectiveness of these new technologies should be evaluated, how the market can be supported and incentivised to invest in the most effective technology solutions, and what considerations need to be made to support the deployment of the technologies.

The call for evidence will help inform the evidence base, analysis and wider programme of stakeholder discussions to be undertaken by the Commission. The call for evidence closes on 3 March 2021. 

The Commission’s work will be informed by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s own broader consultation into GGR technologies – and the Commission expects to report on its completed study this summer.