On 6 February 2024, the European Commission published its communication on the EU's 2040 climate target, proposing a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels. The accompanying Impact Assessment (IA) outlines possible pathways, emphasizing land-based removals while projecting a growing role for industrial removals toward 2050. 

In this project, Ecologic Institute evaluates the Commission's assumptions on industrial carbon removals, analyzing the feasibility of Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) and Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS) in achieving the 2040 target. It analyzes energy demand, resource availability, and sustainability risks, comparing the Commission's projections with alternative scenarios and scientific studies.