Spain has the responsibility to scale up carbon removals

Significant CDR potential exists in Spain

A new Carbon Removal Readiness Assessment report and roadmap from Carbon Gap and Global Factor finds there is significant carbon dioxide removal (CDR) potential in Spain. By leveraging a wide range of CDR methods, Spain could remove up to 69 Mt CO2 annually on top of the country’s natural sink – more than double Spain’s target of reducing emissions to 29 Mt CO2 per year by 2050.

The report finds that by combining ambitious emissions reductions with proactive development of CDR, Spain could harness its substantial CDR potential, become net-negative before 2050, and help support other EU Member States in meeting climate goals.

A unique opportunity for investment and CO₂ storage

The encouraging CDR potential contrasts with limited progress within Spain. The Spanish government’s climate strategy features only nature-based and temporary CDR methods, while other European countries face plummeting natural sinks.

The engagement with stakeholders and citizens carried out as part of the CRRA project suggests a widespread lack of awareness of CDR in Spain, with no structured community or public discussion on the topic.

However, Spain can build a resilient CDR portfolio by boosting support to ecosystem enhancement and with fresh investment in permanent CDR value chains. The report stresses the value of a diversified portfolio of CDR methods to mitigate the risks of under delivery, distribute pressure on resources, and ensure benefits across Spain’s regions.

Spain has a large potential for CO2 transport and geological storage, a critical resource in Europe, but this remains largely underdeveloped. The CRRA report finds Spain’s carbon removal potential is among the highest in the EU, based on theoretical potential per year, but Spain is the least advanced on strategy and policy to scale carbon removals.

Need for clear policy and public support

Spain’s recently published Pacto de estado ante la emergencia del cambio climático (Climate Emergency Plan) is a missed opportunity for a structured approach to developing CDR in Spain. The latest science stresses the key role of CDR to stabilise temperatures, given the growing likelihood of a 1.5°C overshoot.

Spain’s climate policy must reflect this need, as the CRRA report and roadmap call for a national CDR strategy, together with increased public awareness to incentivise the development of a strong CDR industry.

Spain’s actions between 2026 and 2035 will determine whether carbon removals remain a missing piece or become core pillar of the country’s climate plans. Decisions on governance, finance, and infrastructure could position Spain at the forefront of Europe’s carbon removal sector as national climate targets get closer and demand for durable removals grows.