In May 2025, the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced the launch of a landmark independent review of greenhouse gas removal (GGR) technologies, chaired by Member of Parliament Dr. Alan Whitehead CBE. The review encompasses engineered solutions such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and direct air capture with carbon storage (DACCS), alongside nature-based approaches.
The UK government recognizes GGR technologies as pivotal in offsetting residual emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors. The review’s core objective is to gather stakeholder input to assess GGR’s potential, costs, co-benefits, and deployment challenges, informing evidence-based policy. Analogous to the EU’s Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF)—which aims to establish an official voluntary carbon market for the region—the review is expected to integrate the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) with an officially recognized voluntary offset mechanism. This would allow certified GGR credits to offset mandatory emissions compliance. Public and organizational submissions are open until June 20, 2025, with a final report slated for October delivery to DESNZ.
Technology Spotlight: BECCS and DACCS
BECCS, which combines biomass energy production with carbon capture and storage, has drawn attention for its potential to achieve negative emissions. In the UK, energy-from-waste (EfW) facilities are identified as prime BECCS candidates. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) estimates that integrating EfW with BECCS could remove up to 5 million tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2050. However, the technology faces criticism. A study in Communications Earth & Environment, a Nature-affiliated journal, warns that large-scale BECCS deployment risks land-use conflicts and water scarcity. Research suggests BECCS could require vast land areas, competing with agriculture, food production, and biodiversity conservation. Additionally, its water demands could double the area and population under high water stress globally, potentially surpassing climate impacts.
DACCS, by contrast, captures CO₂ directly from the atmosphere for storage, offering an alternative negative emissions pathway. Though currently costly, DACCS holds significant potential, particularly when paired with low-carbon energy sources like nuclear power.
Policy Alignment and Industry Impact
The review complements broader UK climate reforms. The UK ETS will expand to include EfW facilities in 2026 and implement full carbon pricing by 2028. England plans to ban biodegradable waste landfilling by 2028, incentivizing organic waste diversion to low-emission alternatives like BECCS. These shifts have profound implications for waste management. The Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA) urges the government to clarify support for waste wood-fired biomass plants to ensure a smooth transition to carbon capture technologies after the 2027 expiration of Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs).
Broader Scope: Nature-Based Solutions
The review also examines nature-based GGR approaches, such as composting and wetland restoration. By soliciting diverse input, the UK government aims to develop a pragmatic policy framework to scale GGR deployment and establish an official voluntary carbon market. However, challenges persist: technological readiness, economic viability, infrastructure gaps, and public acceptance remain critical hurdles.
