Germany needs carbon removal to reach its net zero climate goals

High-ambition pathways can deliver net-zero and beyond

A new study by Carbon Gap and Sweco finds that carbon removal could fully offset a wide range of Germany’s residual emissions expected by 2045. The study outlines two high-ambition pathways in which the offset can be achieved; one prioritising energy efficiency and another limiting reliance on bioenergy with carbon capture and storage,

In both cases, a diverse mix of carbon removal methods in Germany could accelerate the achievement of net-negative emissions earlier than planned, depending on the volumes of residual emissions. The main takeaway: Germany needs to scale its carbon removal potential beyond 2050 now and address historical emissions by increasing investment in CDR now.

By contrast, a low-ambition pathway delivers only around 47 MtCO₂ of removals by 2045, compared to Germany’s theoretical maximum CDR potential of ~258 MtCO2/year. The low-ambition pathway does not satisfy the level of residual emissions needed. The study warns that Germany cannot afford to underinvest in carbon removal; doing so would significantly increase the risk of missing climate targets, particularly given recent volatility in land-based carbon sinks. In contrast, investment and effective policy design could lead to economic growth and position Germany as a leader in carbon removals.

Sylvain Delerce, Chief Scientist at Carbon Gap said:

“Germany has a real opportunity to secure its net-zero target with carbon removal, but only if ambition remains high. Low-ambition pathways are not enough at a time when climate uncertainty is increasing.”

Geological storage is a key limiting factor

Across all scenarios, the findings show that geological CO₂ storage capacity is a main constraint on scaling both BECCS and DACCS. While Germany has significant potential to capture CO₂, this potential cannot be realised without rapid expansion of transport and storage infrastructure.

The report stresses that accelerated, large-scale industrial policy interventions are now required. Without coordinated investment in CO₂ pipelines, shipping options, and storage sites, Germany risks developing capture technologies that cannot be fully deployed.

Most CDR methods are possible in Germany

The independent assessment finds that most major carbon removal methods – including but not limited to biochar, enhanced weathering, afforestation, and BECCS – are technically possible in Germany. Building a diversified portfolio of nature-based and technological approaches would help distribute risks, reduce pressure on individual resources, such as energy consumption, and provide flexibility for future markets and governance frameworks.

However, such diversification will not happen automatically. It requires strong coordination between the government and industry to ensure that all viable methods are developed in parallel and to their full potential.

Public support exists, but uncertainty remains

Interviews with experts and citizens showed broad support for carbon removal, alongside clear concerns. Citizens panels highlighted that Germans are most familiar with nature-based approaches and initially more sceptical of newer technologies, but attitudes towards all methods became more positive after informed discussion.

Despite the support, Germany still lacks a functioning market for carbon removals. Experts and citizens alike point to insufficient policy frameworks and infrastructure investment and stress the need for regulation to prevent greenwashing and ensure genuine sustainability. The analysis finds that public momentum is shaping up; policy and investment must now follow.