Achieving climate neutrality requires not only reducing emissions, but also effectively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it permanently. However, carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies still raise many questions regarding costs, effectiveness, environmental impact, and public acceptance. There is also still a lack of consistent knowledge and tools to support the responsible large-scale implementation of CDR methods. 

In response to these challenges, the UPTAKE project was launched under the Horizon Europe program. The project aims to create a comprehensive knowledge base on CO₂ removal technologies and to develop strategies to support their responsible and sustainable implementation. The consortium is analyzing the potential, costs, effectiveness, and risks associated with various CDR methods at the national, European, and global levels. 

The project partners are examining the social, technological, economic, and environmental aspects of CDR development. They are analyzing the benefits and risks associated with implementing various CO₂ removal methods and assessing the regulatory framework. They are also developing an interactive tool to help design safe and sustainable pathways for CDR technology development so that they are resilient to economic, social, and environmental risks. 

The project will result in a shared knowledge base on CDR technologies, including analyses of costs, emission reduction potential, and the social and environmental impacts of their implementation. The consortium will also develop recommendations for public policy and an open-source tool called the “CDR Roadmap Explorer,” designed to support planning for climate neutrality. 

As part of the consortium, the Reform Institute is responsible for coordinating the CDR Stakeholder Forum, which fosters dialogue among representatives from academia, public administration, business, and civil society. The Institute’s experts also analyzeed existing and potential business models for CDR upscaling, you can find the report here. These efforts aim to support the creation of a transparent and socially acceptable framework for the implementation of CDR technologies. 

The UPTAKE project is compiling the knowledge needed for the responsible development of carbon dioxide removal technologies as part of European climate policy. The results of this work are intended to support the development of effective public policies and market models for CDR, as well as to build public trust in these technologies within the European Union. 

The UPTAKE consortium is coordinated by the Fondazione Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (CMCC). It brings together 20 partners from across Europe. The project involves universities, research institutes, expert organizations, and think tanks specializing in climate policy, economic modeling, CDR technologies, and sustainable development. 

The UPTAKE project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 101081521.