Sweco studied the possibilities and potential of carbon dioxide removal methods for the first time in Finland

For the first time in Finland, the new report compiles a comprehensive analysis of different carbon dioxide removal methods and their potential. The report examines both nature-based solutions and technical CDR methods and assesses their implementation possibilities from the perspective of climate and energy policy, required resources and legislation. In addition, the social acceptability of the methods was investigated through stakeholder interviews and a citizen panel. The analysed results were brought together and enriched through a stakeholder workshop to create a roadmap offering concrete measures for decision-makers, industry, and society to scale up carbon dioxide removal in Finland. The work was commissioned by Carbon Gap Ltd. 

"In addition to emission reductions, we also need to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow down global warming. There are numerous carbon dioxide removal methods, and they have not previously been examined together this comprehensively in Finland. We compiled technical data and assessed the potential of a wide range of methods, then strengthened the analysis by examining the attitudes towards them with the help of stakeholder interviews and a citizens' panel. We are also preparing similar reports in Germany and Poland," says Heini Vassinen, Green Transition Advisory services, at Sweco.  

The results of the report show that Finland has significant potential to utilise both nature-based and technological carbon removal methods to achieve the climate neutrality objective. According to the Government's Climate and Energy Scenarios (PEIKKO), Finland will face an estimated CO₂ equivalent emissions gap of 16–19 million tonnes by 2035, and with the current development, it will not achieve the carbon neutrality target without additional measures and the introduction of carbon removal. The report presents three realistic carbon removal scenarios that help Finland close this emissions gap.