Germany ‘s main opposition party has indicated its willingness to back a bill legalizing the underground storage of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.

Carbon Herald’s Violet George reports that Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government, currently operating as a minority following the collapse of its coalition, requires support from opposition parties to enact legislation. This move by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), she writes, could, “pave the way for the passage of the bill before anticipated early elections in February.”

While some environmental groups oppose CO₂ storage, citing concerns about high costs and the feasibility of large-scale implementation, Jens Spahn, a prominent figure in the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, argues that the bill is economically beneficial and will facilitate investments. Spahn has stated that his party will support the CCS measure if the government presents it to the Bundestag.

The next session of the Bundestag is scheduled for December 16th, during which Chancellor Scholz will also face a vote of confidence.

For an update on the legislative process published in August by international law firm Clifford Chance, click here.