German researchers seek carbon dioxide removal methods

In Germany, according to the Federal Climate Change Act, Germany is supposed to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. To do this, it is not sufficient to massively reduce emissions: A significant portion of CO₂ needs to be removed from the atmosphere as well. Over 100 scientists in the large-scale interdisciplinary program CDRterra, working in ten research projects, have investigated various carbon dioxide removal (CDR) methods – from biological to (geo-)chemical techniques. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), the program is coordinated by LMU Munich.

The researchers are devising a scenario with ambitious transformation measures. This foresees the sequestration of up to 80 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent each year as of 2045 through various CDR methods – when existing and new approaches are combined. Today, however, Germany removes just a fraction of this amount from the atmosphere. Even with extremely ambitious reductions, some 60 to 130 million metric tons of residual emissions per year will remain from 2045, according to estimates.

To expand the portfolio, the researchers have investigated novel techniques. They see potential, for example, in artificial photosynthesis, which uses solar energy to convert carbon dioxide into carbon flakes – and is more efficient than natural processes. Novel CO2 – sequestering building materials based on gabbro, biochar, and bio-based carbon fibers are also promising. However, these options need more time to be developed.