Italy can reach net-zero by 2050 by scaling its CDR sector

A new Carbon Removal Readiness Assessment by Carbon Gap and B3 Carbon finds that Italy has significant potential to deploy a diversity of CDR methods to counterbalance unavoidable residual emissions but policy uncertainty and slowing climate momentum risk delaying progress at a critical moment.

Strong foundations for carbon removal

Italy is likely to depend heavily on carbon removals to meet its long-term climate targets, as significant residual emissions are expected in 2050, even after deep mitigation according to the national Long-Term Strategy (68-100 MtCO₂).

The report finds that the country has the resources needed to deploy enough CDR on top of the natural sink to reach net-zero. A diversified portfolio leverages 57 MtCO₂/yr removed by 2050 in the Reference scenario and up to 91 MtCO₂/yr in the Ambitious scenario. Yet both depend on swift policy action to accommodate non-negotiable lead times to scale.

Industrial strengths and natural assets create a diversified opportunity

Italy benefits from structural advantages that could support a highly diverse carbon removal portfolio. Its strong industrial base and long experience in energy infrastructure mean the country is well positioned to scale technological removals, building on existing CCS projects (Ravenna) and emerging BECCS opportunities.

The country's varied landscapes and extensive agricultural sector also create opportunities for nature-based carbon removals, including improved soil carbon management and ecosystem restoration. These approaches could generate additional income streams for rural communities while supporting climate goals, provided that planning ensures a fair regional distribution of benefits.

Social geography will determine Italy's carbon removal pathway

The report finds that carbon removal in Italy is not only a question of technology potential, but of geography, governance, and public support.

CDR opportunities are unevenly distributed across the country. Northern regions, particularly around industrial clusters and existing infrastructure, are better positioned to deploy technological removals such as BECCS and DACCS. In contrast, central and southern regions hold significant potential for land-based approaches, including soil carbon sequestration, agroforestry, and ecosystem restoration, which could also support rural economies.

Resource availability alone will not determine outcomes. The report highlights that Italy's institutional landscape and levels of public trust are critical constraints. Fragmented governance, limited coordination across national and regional authorities, and skills gaps risk slowing deployment, particularly for infrastructure-heavy solutions.

Public acceptance also varies significantly by method. Results from stakeholder interviews and a citizen panel show strong support for nature-based approaches and locally visible solutions, while large-scale industrial methods such as DACCS face greater scepticism unless they are transparently governed, well monitored, and deliver clear local benefits.

From assessment to implementation

The findings underline that scaling carbon removal in Italy will require coordinated action across regions, sectors, and stakeholders.

Building infrastructure, supply chains, and regulatory frameworks will take time, and early decisions will shape whether Italy can realise its potential. Ensuring fair regional distribution of benefits, strong engagement with local communities, and alignment between national and regional authorities will be key to unlocking deployment.

To support this next phase, Carbon Gap will facilitate a national road-mapping process building on the CRRA. This exercise will bring together policymakers, industry, and local stakeholders to translate the assessment into a practical, regionally grounded plan for scaling carbon removal in Italy.