Open letter and brief of supporting novel marine carbon removal in the EU
A new Carbon Gap policy brief, backed by an open letter from over 25 organisations and researchers, sets out how the EU can keep marine carbon removal on the agenda while the science matures.
The European Commission is currently assessing whether two novel marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) methods could be certified under the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Regulation (CRCF). These methods are ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) and direct ocean carbon capture and storage (DOCCS).
Our new policy brief argues that a simple yes or no is not enough. Instead, it sets out a middle path: keep advancing research, with a clear route back to certification once the evidence is there.
Why this decision matters now
If certification does not go ahead yet, there is currently no mechanism to revisit it. Novel mCDR could fall off the EU agenda indefinitely, and Europe could lose its lead just as other regions, such as the US, pull back.
Timing is also tight. There are few dedicated EU research calls before the next Framework Programme starts in 2028. The brief urges the EU to make the most of 2026 to 2027 funding, and to build mCDR into the next programme and the EU Ocean and Water R&I Strategy now.
A European Roadmap with four pillars
The open letter calls on the Commission to set up a European Roadmap for novel mCDR by the end of 2027, built on four pillars which are outlined in the policy brief:
I. A body to track progress and guide research priorities, such as a dedicated subgroup under the Commission’s Carbon Removal Expert Group
II. A shared research agenda across the EU, Member States, scientists, and practitioners
III. mCDR built into wider European ocean governance
IV. A clear process for turning evidence into policy, including trial “mock certification” exercises
The open letter is still open for signatures. If your organisation, or you as a researcher, would like to sign, please email [email protected].
The bigger picture
The IPCC estimates that 4 to 8 billion tonnes of CO₂ removals a year will be needed by 2050. Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) must complement deep emissions cuts, not replace them, and the ocean could play a part if the evidence supports it.
Launching today in Brussels
Carbon Gap is launching the brief today at our event, Setting the course for novel marine carbon removal in Europe, in Brussels, bringing together policymakers, scientists, and practitioners.