Summary
The Nordic Carbon Removal Association supports embedding permanent carbon dioxide removal (CDR) directly into national climate strategies and legislation. This includes setting explicit volume targets, distinguishing permanent removals from land-based sinks, and sending clear market signals that drive investment and infrastructure development.
Permanent CDR must be treated as a distinct and essential pillar of Nordic net-zero strategies, rather than a secondary tool. Policy clarity helps mitigate over-reliance on less durable removals and ensures permanent CDR is on track to deliver long-term climate benefits.
Key recommendations:
Set explicit national CDR targets
Write permanent CDR into climate law with explicit volume milestones separate from LULUCF sinks. That clarity tells investors that removals are critical on the path to net-zero and net negativity, and prevents over-reliance on less durable CDR.
Leverage the voluntary carbon market (VCM)
Use the voluntary carbon market to bridge early demand and de-risk projects. Nordic governments should champion high-quality permanent removals and provide companies with clear guidance, ensuring that voluntary credits complement, rather than replace, deep cuts.
Draft a joint Nordic strategy
Adopt a joint Nordic CDR strategy that pools comparative advantages. Working with national strengths, like Sweden–Finland biomass potentials, Norway–Denmark–Iceland offering geological storage, and regional co-optimised targets, infrastructure planning and permitting via a mandated coordination body.
Streamline cross-border CO₂ rules
Harmonise technical standards and permits so CO₂ captured in one Nordic country can be transported and stored in another without significant legal friction. This includes aligning purity specs, monitoring rules and liability frameworks.