Germany’s government approved a draft law in early August to accelerate carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure development. The reform classifies CCS facilities and pipelines as "of overriding public interest," streamlining planning and approvals.

Hard-to-decarbonize sectors like cement, lime production, and gas-fired plants will gain access to offshore, seabed, or inland CO2 storage (subject to state approval). Existing natural gas pipelines may be repurposed for CO2 transport. 

Germany’s North Sea holds 1.5-8.3 billion tons of storage capacity, with up to 20 million tons of annual storage potential.