Molekül CO2 — Copyright: DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT

11-10-2025

Survey on CCS Highlights Need for Information: Germany Torn Between Support and Skepticism

A representative survey of 5,000 German citizens conducted in September provides insights into public perception of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Germany. The survey was commissioned by navos and the German Carbon Management Initiative (DCMI) and carried out by Civey. Key findings include:

• Divided Opinions on CCS
While 36% of respondents support the technology, an equal share (36%) are critical or opposed to CCS. The remaining respondents are still undecided and require more information.

• Main Concern: Costs Before Safety and Environment
The biggest concern among respondents regarding the use of CCS technology is high costs — ranking ahead of safety and environmental concerns.

• Onshore Storage Receives More Support Than Offshore Storage

Unexpectedly, the storage of CO₂ on land (onshore, 18%) receives more approval than storage under the sea (offshore, 9%). Nearly one-fifth (19%) support both options, while one-quarter (25%) reject both.

There is no clear public consensus in Germany on the storage of carbon dioxide (Carbon Capture and Storage, or CCS), according to a recent representative opinion poll. With the amendment of the Carbon Dioxide Storage Act (KSpG) by the federal government, a legal framework is being created for the commercial application of CCS — an important step, as the technology can make a significant contribution to decarbonising industry. However, without broad public support, local implementation could face resistance. The results of the survey show that public acceptance of CCS in Germany cannot be taken for granted.

Acceptance Requires Better Public Information
While 36% of respondents are in favour of the technology, an equal proportion (36%) are critical or opposed. Another 28% remain undecided. One reason: many respondents have never heard of the technology (32%) or are unsure (9%), which may explain some of the reservations. Comprehensive communication about CCS will therefore be necessary to improve public acceptance.

Competitiveness and Costs in the Spotlight
Respondents are primarily concerned about costs (32%), followed by safety (25%) and environmental impacts (24%). Citizens do recognise CCS as a climate protection tool: 27% see positive effects on climate protection and 24% on industrial competitiveness. This suggests that the debate is increasingly viewed from an economic perspective. However, a large proportion of respondents still see no tangible benefits from the technology. There is therefore a need for action, particularly from industry. Surveys in other countries have shown that economic benefits for citizens (e.g. creating or safeguarding jobs) contribute to a more positive perception.

A Politically Divided Landscape
Supporters of the CDU and FDP (voting intention) see the greatest advantages of CCS in improving competitiveness, while supporters of the Greens and Left Party mainly see benefits for climate protection. Supporters of the CDU, SPD, and Greens tend to want the federal government to be more active in developing CCS technologies, whereas supporters of the FDP, Left Party, and BSW are undecided. AfD supporters are clearly opposed.

The full survey results can be found at the following link: Survey on Public Acceptance of CCS Teohnology.

Dr. Timm Kehler, CEO of the Association Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft (which organizes the DCMI), emphasised the importance of the issue: “Carbon management is an essential tool to align competitiveness and climate protection. The survey clearly shows: it is not enough to simply establish the legal framework. What matters now is to engage people, address their concerns, and transparently communicate the benefits of CCS for preserving industrial jobs in Germany.”

Janina Mütze, CEO of Civey: “From the perspective of many citizens, the biggest barrier to CCS is cost. For the technology to support industrial transformation, it must be predictable, affordable, and based on fair burden-sharing — a lesson from the energy transition, where much trust was lost. If policymakers and industry are transparent about costs, financing, and tangible benefits, skepticism can turn into support.”

Charlotte Holzum, Managing Director of navos – Public Dialogue Consultants: “CCS is gaining increasing support, but reservations and skepticism remain high. It is now essential to address citizens’ questions and concerns through dialogue and provide answers. Only then can we enable an informed public debate on CCS projects, which are crucial for the future viability of our economy. Early and transparent communication — on everything from costs and climate protection to environmental concerns — is the only path forward.”

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