Hessen Hesitant on Carbon Capture and Storage Despite Federal Push
The underground storage of climate-damaging carbon dioxide (CO2), a practice known as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), is poised to become a reality in Germany, but the state of Hessen remains cautious. While not outright rejecting the technology, the Ministry of the Environment in Wiesbaden expresses reservations about its implementation within the state’s borders, citing concerns about suitable storage sites.
The potential new federal government, a coalition of the CDU, CSU, and SPD, has outlined its intentions to enable the capture, underground storage, and utilization of CO2, particularly for unavoidable emissions from industrial sectors and gas-fired power plants. This commitment is enshrined in their coalition agreement, which positions CCS as a complementary measure to the accelerated expansion of renewable energies and energy-efficient production processes, all deemed essential for achieving climate neutrality.
Hessen’s Minister of the Environment, Ingmar Jung (CDU), responded to an inquiry from the FDP parliamentary group in March, stating that the current state development plan prohibits CO2 storage in the deep underground. According to the assessment of the State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG), there are "no sufficiently large and safe storage structures in Hessen that would allow the injection of CO2," based on current knowledge. This lack of suitable geological formations presents a significant hurdle to implementing CCS within the state.
Despite these limitations, the black-red state government in Hessen acknowledges the potential of CCS as "a potential building block for decarbonization," recognizing the associated opportunities for climate protection and economic development. This nuanced perspective suggests an openness to exploring the technology further, contingent on addressing the identified challenges and ensuring environmental safety.
The federal coalition agreement envisions enabling CO2 storage both offshore and onshore, in regions that are deemed "geologically suitable and accepted" by the local population. To facilitate this, the agreement proposes introducing a "state opening clause," allowing individual states to opt-in to CCS projects based on their specific circumstances and priorities. Minister Jung stated that the state government has not yet made a final decision regarding the application of such an opt-in clause. This hesitance underscores the complex considerations involved, including environmental concerns, public perception, and the economic viability of CCS projects.
The environmental organization Greenpeace, however, remains skeptical of CCS, arguing that it diverts resources from the development of renewable energies. They contend that CO2 storage sites compete directly with renewable energy projects for investment and land use, potentially slowing down the transition to a sustainable energy system. This argument highlights a central debate surrounding CCS: whether it is a necessary bridge technology or a distraction from the urgent need to rapidly deploy renewable energy sources.
Previous attempts by a former federal government, composed of the SPD, Greens, and FDP, to enact legislation enabling CCS failed to pass through the Bundestag and Bundesrat, suggesting that the path to widespread CCS implementation in Germany is fraught with political and regulatory hurdles. The current federal government’s renewed push for CCS will undoubtedly face similar scrutiny and debate.
Hessen’s cautious approach reflects the broader concerns surrounding CCS technology. The potential for leaks from underground storage sites, the long-term environmental impact of CO2 storage, and the high costs associated with capture and storage are all factors that weigh heavily on decision-makers. Furthermore, the public perception of CCS remains mixed, with concerns about safety and the potential for moral hazard, where the availability of CCS could reduce the incentive to reduce emissions at the source.
The future of CCS in Hessen, and indeed in Germany, hinges on addressing these concerns and demonstrating the technology’s safety, effectiveness, and economic viability. Further research and development are needed to identify suitable storage sites, improve capture technologies, and reduce the cost of CCS. Public engagement and transparency are also crucial to building trust and addressing public concerns.
The implementation of a state opening clause, as proposed by the federal government, could provide a framework for states like Hessen to carefully evaluate the potential benefits and risks of CCS and to decide whether it aligns with their specific environmental and economic goals. However, the ultimate success of CCS will depend on a comprehensive and integrated approach that prioritizes emission reductions, supports the rapid deployment of renewable energy, and ensures the safe and responsible implementation of CO2 storage technologies. The balancing act of supporting industrial sectors with difficult-to-avoid emissions and maintaining the integrity of the environment presents a complex challenge that requires careful consideration. Hessen’s current stance indicates a willingness to observe and evaluate the technology, but a commitment to its immediate adoption is not yet secured.