“Achieving net zero plus reliable energy supply in Germany by 2045: The essential role of CO2 sequestration” has been authored by Ralf Dickel, Senior Visiting Research Fellow, Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. This paper shows why for Germany an all-renewables, predominantly electric approach to achieving net zero by 2045 will not work, nor will it maintain reliable energy supply.
The inclusion of CCS from power plants and blue hydrogen from ATRs (Autothermal reforming) is essential for achieving Germany’s decarbonization goals. It will open a challenging but feasible way to reach net zero by 2045 and keep the high reliability of energy supply. In view of the limited carbon budget and the short time left until 2045 it is urgent to develop a concept of capture, transport and sequestration of CO2 and foster its implementation. In view of political but also geological restrictions for CO2 sequestration in Germany, cooperation with Norway to use its large potential for sequestration on the Norwegian shelf looks like an obvious and promising approach.
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