The importance of carbon management to decarbonize the industrial sector of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Clean Air Task Force has assessed the development of a carbon management industry in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. According to a study by the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, key industries in North Rhine-Westphalia will require carbon management and CO2 transport infrastructure to become climate-neutral in 2045. North Rhine Westphalia is Germany’s largest among 16 Federal States, responsible for approximately one-quarter of Germany’s entire CO2 emissions per year. Developing a carbon management industry would enable its industrial sector, which employs approximately a third of its workforce, to mitigate up to 97% of its emissions.

To enable the development of a carbon management industry, the Government of North Rhine-Westphalia has prepared a Carbon Management Strategy with four key areas of focus:

1. Reduction of Carbon Intensity in Industry
   Development of carbon-free technologies, a hydrogen economy and renewable energy generation
2. Sustainable Carbon Usage
   Emphasise and monitor the sustainable use of biogenic sources while creating value pathways through the Emissions Trading System, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and Carbon Contracts for Difference
3. CO2 Management
   Planning development of CO2 transportation infrastructure for national and international cooperation, while providing a more harmonious legal framework for CO2 storage
4. Social Discourse
   Provide public awareness and education on carbon management while promoting low-carbon products with a Sustainable Carbon Label