What action is the Minister taking in relation to the possibility that carbonation of alkali silicate rocks could deliver net CO2 removal of 6 MtCO2 yr−1 for the United Kingdom by 2050, representing up to 45 per cent of the atmospheric CO2 removal required nationally to meet net-zero emissions?
Engineered carbon sequestration in many forms is likely to be important in achieving Net Zero targets by 2050. Enhanced weathering, like all other engineered removals needs more research to understand the potential, reduce costs and/or better understand wider consequences. In their recent progress report to the United Kingdom Government, the Climate Change Committee recommended continued R&D into alternative engineered removals such as enhanced weathering. We will continue to follow the evidence and if appropriate, we will consider the contribution of engineered removals to meeting future carbon budgets.