The new system, developed within the framework of the European Carbon Removal Certification Regulation (CRCF), establishes harmonized methodologies to measure, verify and certify the removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere, provided that this is guaranteed in a durable and verifiable manner.
Recognition of BECCS as a carbon removal technology
One of the most significant advances for the bioenergy sector is the formal recognition of the Biogenic CO₂ capture and storage (BECCS) as permanent carbon removal, clearly differentiating it from simple emission reductions.
This point could be very interesting for industrial facilities that already use solid biomass, biogas, or biomethane to produce heat, steam, or cogeneration. From now on, biogenic CO₂ captured and geologically stored can be certified as carbon removed from the atmosphere, opening the door to new business models linked to voluntary carbon removal markets.
For heat-intensive industries (such as paper, food, chemical, or materials), the standard reduces regulatory uncertainty and improves BECCS project bankability, by setting clear requirements for permanence, monitoring and long-term accountability.
Biochar as a climate tool
The European framework also recognizes the biochar as a valid form of long-lasting carbon storage, provided that strict criteria for biomass sustainability, carbon stability and end-use traceability are met.
This recognition can help agricultural and agro-industrial sectors that generate large volumes of organic waste (prunings, crop residues, forestry or agri-food by-products) to decide to transform it into biochar through pyrolysis.
Beyond its agronomic uses, biochar thus becomes part of industrial solutions for CO₂ removal, and allows the primary sector to connect with high-quality carbon markets and increasingly demanding buyers.
From decarbonization to solutions carbon negative
With this standard, the EU is reinforcing a change of approach: It is no longer enough to simply emit less; it is necessary to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere to achieve long-term climate goals. Biomass thus acquires a strategic role beyond its function as a renewable energy source, positioning it as the basis for solutions carbon negative.
In short, certification provides legal certainty, reduces the risk of greenwashing, and lays the foundation for scaling up technologies such as BECCS and biochar.