Next steps for greenhouse gas removals - policy, regulation and market growth

The agenda examines both rapid emissions reduction and the appropriate role for removals within the UK’s statutory carbon budgets. Areas for discussion include funding, market design and delivery, governance and oversight of removal claims, and the UK’s role in global markets and standards.

Policy & funding

It is being organised as an opportunity for key stakeholders and policymakers to discuss next steps following the Government-commissioned Independent Review of Greenhouse Gas Removals and recent parliamentary scrutiny of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) subsidies and sustainability. Implications for the direction of policy will be discussed, as well as questions around technology priorities, government support and long-term plans.

We expect discussion on funding allocations in Spending Review 2025, alongside measures in the Industrial Strategy and UK Infrastructure Strategy. Delegates will consider commercial models, factors affecting investor confidence, and delivery planning for engineered and nature-based approaches, as well as the balance of support for biochar, enhanced rock weathering, ocean alkalinity enhancement, BECCS and direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS).

Market development, business models & assurance priorities

Proposals for market frameworks and business models will be examined, including long‑term contracts for engineered removals and power BECCS. Discussion will also assess the phased incorporation of verified removals into the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, and implications for carbon market regulation and standards, looking at issues around eligibility, early deployment and flexibility given uncertainty around BECCS timelines.

Delegates will also consider priorities for monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV), permanence and certification, including development of the UK GGR standard, sustainability criteria, feedstock sourcing, and options for independent governance and accountability.

Enablers, infrastructure & implementation

The conference will assess the infrastructure readiness of deployment clusters, including adapting existing biomass and waste facilities, planning and permitting requirements, and workforce capacity. Delegates will look at regional deployment priorities and the alignment of GGR infrastructure with net zero energy and land-use strategies.

Attendees will also review legal powers and enabling regulation, including provisions in the Energy Act 2023 for transport and storage licensing and revenue support mechanisms that underpin GGR and BECCS business models. Areas for discussion include priorities for maintaining accountability and transparency, and approaches to building community consent.

Global markets & standards

Further sessions review international developments, looking at implications of the UK’s reliance on biomass imports, global carbon removal standards, and conditions for cross‑border trade in verified removals. We expect discussion on strengthening sustainability criteria for imported biomass, the UK’s role in shaping emerging global carbon market rules, and alignment with domestic net zero and land‑use strategies.