Carbon opportunities for Utrecht
For the province of Utrecht, New Economy explored whether carbon sequestration can strengthen the economy, nature and climate. The exploration shows that carbon sequestration can grow into an organising principle for the Utrecht economy: proven, affordable natural sequestration linked to challenges such as biodiversity, nitrogen and water quality. Part of the national carbon sequestration market exploration.
About this market exploration
Prepared for: the Province of Utrecht in collaboration with the provinces of Gelderland, North Holland and South Holland.
The question: explore the potential economic and ecological opportunities of carbon sequestration and map how governments and organisations can build an effective strategy.
Most notable result: nationally, carbon sequestration represents roughly €31 billion in societal value, while offering solutions within the complex spatial puzzle for several critical policy challenges at once.
Concrete next steps: translate the identified opportunities into an effective strategy, starting with building knowledge of carbon sequestration within governments and organisations.
Priorities for the province of Utrecht
For Utrecht it matters to develop a sequestration strategy alongside the reduction strategy in order to meet climate goals. That means prioritising proven, affordable and immediately applicable forms of natural (green) carbon sequestration, and carefully examining which technological (grey) sequestration is genuinely relevant. An integrated approach is essential, linking carbon sequestration to other urgent provincial challenges such as biodiversity, nitrogen and water quality. Finally, collaboration between public and private parties is crucial to make the most of the economic and ecological potential.
Active methods in Utrecht
Several methods are already active in Utrecht: planting and reforestation, biobased construction materials, soil carbon sequestration, direct air capture, wetland restoration and blue carbon management. Methods such as biochar, bioenergy with carbon capture and enhanced mineral weathering still require further policy attention and development. For ocean-based methods (direct ocean capture, ocean alkalinity and fertilisation), Utrecht could contribute via a national or international consortium.
The approach: ten IPCC methods
Internationally, alongside emission reduction, there is growing attention for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). This market exploration, started in November 2024 and updated through April 2025, is based on the ten scientifically grounded carbon removal methods distinguished by the IPCC, translated to the Dutch and Utrecht context for entrepreneurs, financiers, governments and landowners.
Attractive returns. Green carbon sequestration is estimated to return 7 to 30 times the investment, with methods already applicable today.
Carbon sequestration in short
Carbon sequestration removes CO₂ from the atmosphere and stores it long-term in soil, biomass, nature, water and long-lived materials, from soil and biomass to biobased materials and blue carbon.
Opportunities for farmers, businesses and industry. Proven revenue models with low investment — via alternative markets, risk-spreading and certificate trading — contribute to more resilient sectors.
The Carbon Sequestration House
The Carbon Sequestration House for Utrecht links sequestration methods to challenges, policy and provincial opportunities through three matrices, making visible where the greatest gain lies for Utrecht. Natural methods are linked to most societal challenges; technological methods to a few.
Links per method. Natural sequestration is linked to 22–23 of the 26 societal objectives from the National Strategy on Spatial Planning and the Environment; technological methods to 3–6.
Tools and downloads
- Market Exploration Utrecht (PDF) 60+ practical examples · roughly 14 MB. Download the main report
- Carbon Sequestration House Utrecht (PDF) Three matrices: methods, policy, opportunities. Download the assessment framework
- Alignment: National Roadmap and Market Exploration (PDF) Central government versus New Economy · roughly 1 MB. Download the comparison
- Policy brief (PDF) Eight concrete steps · roughly 0.8 MB. Download the policy brief
- Carbon Opportunity Map (PDF) Supports strategy development. Download the map
Insights from this project
Frequently asked questions
New Economy explored for the province of Utrecht whether carbon sequestration can strengthen the economy, nature and climate. The exploration shows it can even grow into an organising principle for the Utrecht economy.
Among others: planting and reforestation, biobased construction materials, soil carbon sequestration, direct air capture, wetland restoration and blue carbon management.
Developing a sequestration strategy alongside emission reduction, starting with proven, affordable and immediately applicable forms of natural carbon sequestration, linked to challenges such as biodiversity, nitrogen and water quality.
The Market Exploration Utrecht, the Carbon Sequestration House Utrecht and the Carbon Opportunity Map, which help the province determine a carbon sequestration strategy.
Further reading
Explore the carbon opportunities for Utrecht
From a national exploration to a concrete opportunity map for the province, a municipality or supply chain. Questions about this exploration can go to contact@neweconomy.eco.
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