Survey shows high demand for information on CCS

11.10.2025

Source: E & M powernews

Navos and the German Carbon Management Initiative conducted a Civey survey on CCS in Germany. The results show approval, skepticism and a lot of indecision.

In Germany, there is still a divided opinion on the storage of carbon dioxide, known as carbon capture and storage (CCS). This is shown by a representative survey of 5,000 citizens commissioned by the Berlin-based communications company Navos together with the German Carbon Management Initiative (DCMI). The DCMI is supported by the German Gas and Hydrogen Industry Association (DGWW).

The opinion research company Civey conducted the survey in September. The survey was conducted against the backdrop of the amendment to the Carbon Dioxide Storage Act, with which the German government intends to create a framework for the future commercial use of the technology. The Bundestag passed the law on November 7 (we reported).

A third of Germans are not familiar with CCS

According to the clients, the results show that social approval of CO2 storage is not a given. 36 percent of respondents are in favor of CCS, while just as many are critical of the technology. 28 percent of respondents remain undecided. Part of the skepticism can be explained by a lack of knowledge: 32 percent of citizens say they have not heard of CCS. A further 9 percent are unsure whether they are aware of the technology. According to the study, this indicates that many are making their assessment based on incomplete information.

The survey also shows that economic considerations play a significant role. 32 percent of respondents see the potential costs as the biggest concern. Safety issues were mentioned by 25 percent and environmental concerns by 24 percent. At the same time, 27% recognize positive effects for climate protection and 24% expect benefits for the competitiveness of the industry. According to the clients, this shows that the debate among the population is increasingly being conducted against the background of industrial location issues.

Political preferences are decisive

A differentiated picture is also evident in the assessment of possible storage locations. 18 percent are in favor of onshore storage. 9 percent prefer offshore storage under the seabed. 19 percent agree with both options, while 25 percent reject both. From the perspective of Navos and DCMI, these results show that structural and regional aspects could be decisive for the acceptance of CCS.

Political preferences are also reflected in the responses. Supporters of the CDU and FDP associate CCS primarily with advantages for competitiveness. People with close ties to the Greens and the Left cite climate policy reasons more frequently. Respondents close to the SPD, CDU and Greens expect more support for the technology from the federal government. Supporters of the FDP, the Left and the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance are undecided. The majority of respondents close to the AfD reject CCS.

Industry needs CCS acceptance for climate protection targets

According to industry, it is keeping a close eye on political developments. After the amended law was passed by the Bundestag, Matthias Frederichs, Managing Director of the Federal Association of Building Materials, Stones and Earths, emphasized the need to build a CO2 transport and storage infrastructure. He spoke of an "important step towards a climate-neutral future".

DGWW spokesman Bengt Bergt emphasized the role of acceptance: He sees carbon management as a tool to combine climate protection and industrial competitiveness. In his view, the creation of a legal framework is not enough. It is necessary to involve the population more and explain the benefits for employment and the location.

Civey also points to the importance of the cost issue. According to study author Katharina Potyka, citizens need information on how investments are financed and what effects this could have.

Hilmar Girnus, Director of Navos Public Dialogue Consultants, sees the survey as a mandate for more dialog. From his perspective, concerns and open questions must be addressed at an early stage in order to plan projects in a socially sustainable way. The clients of the study therefore emphasize the need for transparent communication that makes both economic and ecological aspects clear.

The study surveyed 5,000 participants from a representative population group aged 18 and over.

The full results of the CCS survey by Civey are available on the Internet.

Author: Susanne Harmsen