Fernandes et al. (2026): Exploring carbon dioxide removal strategies to help decarbonise Europe using high-resolution modelling
Ricardo Fernandes, Alberto Alamia, Sina Kalweit and Marta Victoria, IN: arXiv, https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2603.25663
The electrification of energy demand across sectors, powered by solar and wind generation, is the best strategy for achieving carbon neutrality. Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies are also expected to play a crucial role by providing net-negative emissions that can offset residual CO₂ emissions, including those from cement manufacturing. While previous studies have assessed the role of CDRs in Europe’s decarbonisation, most either focus solely on combinations of biogenic point-source capture and direct air capture (DAC) coupled with underground sequestration, or consider multiple CDR strategies at low spatial and temporal resolution, thereby limiting the representation of linkages amongst technologies. In this study, the authors extend the sector-coupled European energy system model PyPSA-Eur to include afforestation, perennialisation, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering (ERW) as additional CDR strategies.