Funding for Projects on 'Carbon Dioxide Removal from the Atmosphere'

This funding targets a wide range of applicants, including companies, universities, research institutions, and civil society organizations that contribute to CO2 removal research. Projects must be implemented in Germany, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland. The overarching goal is to support Germany in achieving net greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045 and to create the necessary conditions for the application of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) methods.

The funding program focuses on research and development (R&D) projects concerning land-based Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) methods and overarching topics. Primarily, basic research, accompanying and synthesis research, and cross-cutting research are supported. The funding is technology and industry-agnostic but focuses on methods that can achieve a significant long-term CO2 removal effect.

The program provides non-repayable grants to cover project costs. The funding amount varies depending on the applicant type and the nature of the research activity, with universities and non-university institutions able to receive up to 100% of eligible expenditures. Projects typically have a duration of up to three years.

Applicants must meet specific legal and organizational conditions, especially regarding cooperations and compliance with state aid regulations. Emphasis is placed on supporting a central accompanying and synthesis project, as well as on Open Access publications and research data management.

The application procedure is two-stage. First, a project outline is submitted, which, after positive evaluation, qualifies for the submission of a formal funding application. Submission primarily takes place via the electronic system easy-Online.

The funding program is based on the BMBF's Guidelines for the Funding of Projects on “Carbon Dioxide Removal from the Atmosphere” and the provisions of the Federal Budget Code. The granting of state aid is carried out in compliance with the European Commission's General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER).