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An important vote is coming up for the Swiss electorate on 18 June regarding its #netzero plans – if it passes, it could enshrine CDR into Swiss law.
As it stands, #Switzerland has an exceptionally advanced CDR policy, with a clear vision of what needs to be done by 2050. The country’s long-term strategy (#LTS) sets clear numeric goals for CDR. It has also signed 12 bilateral agreements under the Paris Agreement (more than any other country), and is home to a thriving CDR ecosystem.
What role does CDR play in Swiss legislation?
🎯 The Swiss Long-term Climate Strategy 2050 quantifies a need for 7 million tons of CDR – 5 million tons abroad (mostly #DACCS) and 2 million tons nationally (mostly #BECCS) – and 5 million tons of carbon capture and storage (#CCS) per year by 2050.
🌎 The Swiss CDR and CCS Roadmap outlines policy measures to take until 2050 to reach its CDR goals. Among others, Switzerland will rely substantially on CDR conducted abroad.
📅 On June 18, the Swiss electorate will vote on the “Federal Act on Climate Protection Targets, Innovation and Strengthening Energy Security,” a #netzero plan (counter to the initial #GlacierInitiative) that could enshrine carbon sinks into Swiss law.
💶 The Climate Cent Foundation, since replaced by the KliK Foundation, has a budget of CHF 60 million to invest in CDR by 2024.
What CDR projects are emerging in Switzerland?
🔍 Bioenergy carbon capture and storage (#BECCS) and direct air carbon capture and storage (#DACCS) are prioritised in policy, though all CDR methods like #biochar are being considered.
🔥 Swiss Climeworks is arguably the most advanced direct air capture (#DAC) company in the world. It was the first DAC company to successfully take CO2 out of the atmosphere, store it underground and deliver a permanent CDR certificate to a paying client.
📝 Switzerland is leading the way under Article 6 – it has signed 12 agreements (by far more than any other country), a declaration of intent with Iceland and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Netherlands both on CDR/CCS cooperation. It is close to signing a joint CCS project with Norway.
Switzerland has codified ambitious CDR targets into law and is close to codifying carbon sinks into national legislation. Switzerland sets a high bar for CDR policy, and the June 18 vote could propel its CDR legislation leagues ahead of most European countries.
This is largely the result of the incredible work of Swiss CDR companies over the last years: Climeworks, Swiss Re, Carbon Removal Partners, Airfix, South Pole, Perspectives Climate Group, frigg.eco, Übermorgen Ventures, Swiss Carbon Removal Platform, ETH Zürich, UBS, LGT Private Banking, NextGen, neustark, AXA Switzerland, Bioenergie Frauenfeld AG, Carbon Impact France, b-char, Inkoh - Biochar and beyond, Auen Pflege Dienst, and Zurkulit.
What do you think about the Swiss CDR plan and upcoming vote?
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