EU Commission Approves €3 Billion Swedish Scheme for Carbon Capture and Storage to Reduce Biogenic CO2 Emissions

Key Impact Points:

• €3 billion aid to support biogenic CO2 capture and storage in Sweden.
• Competitive bidding to award grants for capturing at least 50,000 tonnes/year.
• Boosts Sweden’s climate targets and EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goal.

The European Commission has approved a €3 billion Swedish scheme to support carbon capture and storage (CCS) aimed at reducing biogenic CO2 emissions. This initiative aligns with Sweden’s climate targets and the EU’s Green Deal objectives, including the 2050 climate neutrality goal.

Swedish Scheme Details:

Sweden’s €3 billion scheme supports projects removing biogenic CO2 through permanent CCS. The goal is to make CCS viable, increase investor confidence, and reduce future costs. This move will help develop a CCS value chain in the EU.

Competitive Bidding Process:

The aid will be awarded via a competitive bidding process, with the first auction in 2024. Eligible companies must operate in Sweden and have projects capable of capturing and storing at least 50,000 tonnes of biogenic CO2 annually. Successful bidders will receive grants under 15-year contracts, adjusted for any additional revenue from projects or other public support.

Long-Term Impact:

Running until 31 December 2028, the scheme aims to reduce Sweden’s greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2045 compared to 1990 levels. This will also help the EU meet its 2050 climate neutrality goal.

Commission’s Assessment:

The Commission evaluated the scheme under EU State aid rules, particularly Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and the Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection, and energy (CEEAG).

• Necessity and Appropriateness: The scheme is necessary and suitable to encourage investments in biogenic CCS projects, aiding national and EU climate targets.
• Incentive Effect: Potential beneficiaries wouldn’t invest in CCS projects without public support.
• Limited Impact on Competition: The aid is proportionate, with minimal negative effects on competition and trade within the EU.

The scheme will undergo an ex-post evaluation to verify the effectiveness of the competitive bidding process. On this basis, the Commission approved the Swedish measure under EU State aid rules.