CFCR is an abbreviation that is currently receiving a lot of attention within the CDR community. What exactly is it and why is it of significant importance to us?
- The objective of the CFCR, or Carbon Removal Certification Framework, is to establish a consistent certification system for activities related to the removal of carbon dioxide within the framework of the EU’s climate policy.
- CRCF represents a comprehensive effort to legally define CDR and set forth the guidelines for its certification.
- Negotiators from the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union reached a preliminary agreement on the CFCR on February 20th
- This agreement incorporates an inclusive definition of carbon sequestration aligned with IPCC standards, eliminating previous limitations that excluded specific technologies like Enhanced Weathering. In November, the CDR industry, including Green Sequest, advocated for technological openness in the CRCF, a stance reflected in the February 20th agreement.
- The agreement upholds the “QU.A.L.ITY” criteria—Quantification, Additionality, Long-term Storage, Sustainability, mandated by the Commission for the certification of carbon dioxide removal activities
- It distinguishes between various carbon removal and emission reduction activities, encompassing permanent carbon removal, temporary storage in durable products, interim storage from carbon crops, and soil emission reduction.
- The agreement will now undergo the approval process by representatives of member states in the EU Council and the Parliament’s Environment Committee. If approved, the text will need formal adoption by both institutions and publication in the EU’s Official Journal to become effective.