CDRterra 2 – Research Program on CO₂ Removal

CDRterra is investigating the role that CO₂ removal from the atmosphere can play in achieving greenhouse gas neutrality in Germany—and under what conditions its use is feasible, effective, and responsible. Even with ambitious emission reductions, residual emissions will remain in the long term, for example in agriculture, industry, or transportation. Offsetting these emissions requires additional CO₂ removal.

Scientific Foundations for the Use of CO₂ Removal

This funding initiative establishes a scientific foundation: It analyzes the potential, risks, and conflicting interests of various approaches and examines how CDR can be integrated into existing climate and land-use systems. It makes a clear distinction: CDR is not a substitute for emissions reductions, but rather a complementary measure with limited potential.

Phase 1 (2021–2025): Comparing Potential, Risks, and Sustainability

Ten consortium projects investigated fundamental questions regarding land-based CDR methods. The focus was on potential, sustainability, risks, and the systematic comparison of different methods.

Phase 2 (since November 2025): From research to application

In the second phase, 17 consortium projects are building on the results of the first phase and further developing them under conditions closer to real-world applications. The focus is on questions of practical feasibility, integration into existing systems, and requirements for measurability and regulation. At the same time, the range of methods is being expanded and more closely translated into concrete options for action.

Interdisziplinäre Verbünde und ein erweitertes Methodenspektrum

The consortia cover a broad spectrum of CDR approaches—ranging from agriculture- and forestry-based methods to technical processes, as well as issues related to assessment, governance, and societal integration. The goal is to develop a systemic understanding of the potential contributions of CDR within the context of national and European climate strategies.

Systematic evaluation and analysis of research findings

Systematic evaluation and analysis of research findings

A central element is the overarching synthesis of the results: research findings are evaluated comparatively, consolidated, and prepared for policymakers, industry, and the public. This task is carried out by the synthesis and transfer project CDRSynTra 2. Through this project, the CDRterra research program—funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space—is coordinated at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.

For more information:

CDRterra – BMBF research program on land-based CO2 removal (CDR) methods