Market research: carbon capture strengthens Utrecht's economy and ecology
Can Utrecht's economy benefit from carbon sequestration, and can the climate and nature benefit from an economy in which carbon plays a central role? This market research demonstrates: yes, it can. Carbon sequestration could even become a fundamental principle for today's economy. But which sequestration methods are most relevant for Utrecht?
To provide insight into this, we are launching the Carbon Opportunities Map, the Carbon Sequestration House, and a comprehensive Market Exploration related to the National Carbon Removal Roadmap. These tools help identify effective carbon sequestration methods that not only capture CO₂ but also contribute to a healthy living environment, soil restoration, and water quality.
Points of attention for the province of Utrecht
For Utrecht, it is crucial to develop a sequestration strategy alongside the reduction strategy to achieve its climate goals. This means prioritizing proven, affordable, and directly applicable forms of natural (green) carbon sequestration and carefully investigating which technological (gray) carbon sequestration is truly relevant. Furthermore, an integrated approach is essential, linking carbon sequestration to other urgent provincial challenges such as biodiversity, nitrogen issues, and water quality. Finally, it is crucial to actively encourage collaboration between public and private parties so that the economic and ecological potential of carbon sequestration can be optimally utilized.
Utrecht already has several carbon sequestration methods in place, such as planting and reforestation, biobased building materials, soil carbon sequestration, direct atmospheric capture, wetland restoration, and blue carbon management. Methodologies such as biocoal, bioenergy with carbon capture, accelerated mineral weathering, direct ocean capture, oceanic alkalinity, and oceanic fertilization require further policy attention and development. Specific policies for accelerated mineral weathering, direct ocean capture, oceanic alkalinity, and oceanic fertilization are currently completely lacking. However, the feasibility of the latter three methods must be assessed, as they are highly dependent on ocean conditions. Despite the lack of ocean at the local level, the province can contribute by participating in a national or international consortium that further develops and researches these methods, with the aim of applying them on a larger scale and integrating them into broader climate strategies. More information about these methods and their current status in Utrecht can be found in Chapter 2 of this exploratory study.
Current developments in carbon capture
Internationally, in addition to emission reduction, there is increasing attention for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), or carbon removal. In line with this trend, this market exploration was launched in November 2024, incorporating the latest developments in carbon capture up to and including April 2025 (see further information HF). 0.0 Status of research at the time of publication, suggestions and questions). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identifies ten scientifically proven methods for carbon removal. These methods form the basis for this market exploration, adapted to the Dutch context. The study examined their applicability at the national, provincial, and local levels, and for various user groups such as entrepreneurs, financiers, governments, and landowners.
Carbon capture in brief
Tools for carbon teams and strategy formulation
New Economy, commissioned by a broad coalition of governments, investigated how carbon capture can already be implemented today – and where the greatest social and economic returns can be achieved.
Market Research Approach
Based on the 10 IPCC methodologies, we conducted a comprehensive market exploration. We mapped out policy, market, monitoring, certification, and financing—and developed practical tools that carbon teams can use in their strategy development:
Coherence and insights from the National Roadmap and Market Exploration of Carbon Sequestration This document compares the Dutch National Carbon Removal Roadmap (published on March 14, 2025) and the New Economy Carbon Sequestration Market Exploration (published on March 12, 2025, with an updated version in May 2025). The Dutch National Roadmap and the New Economy Market Exploration (supplemented version May 2025) were developed independently, but both offer valuable insights for the policy choices needed in the coming years. To clarify where the Roadmap and the Market Exploration complement or reinforce each other, or look at the same task from a different perspective, the document Coherence and insights from the National Roadmap and the Carbon Sequestration Market Exploration This comparative document offers policymakers and other stakeholders valuable tools to develop an effective carbon capture strategy, enriched with additional insights, concrete action options, practical examples, and links to broader societal challenges. Download PDF (1 MB
Utrecht Carbon Capture House (Methods, Policy and Opportunities)
The Carbon Sequestration House Utrecht was set up between February and May 2025 (final editing: May
2025). The document consists of three overviews:
Matrix 1: Linking carbon capture methodologies and policy challenges.
Matrix 2: Overview of policies and initiatives within the province that support carbon sequestration.
Matrix 3: Opportunities for carbon sequestration policy or activities.
This document helps policymakers, initiators and implementers to make more targeted considerations
within the regional climate and area challenges. Due to rapid developments in policy and market,
It is recommended that you check for the most current version at: www.neweconomy.eco/koolstof-u
Carbon Map M25 (March 2025)
The 'Opportunities for carbon capture in the Netherlands' map supports strategy formulation with a
fictitious representation of carbon sequestration potential. This map was created between
November 2024 and March 2025 (final editing: April 2025). Due to rapid developments in the
The carbon market information may have changed. The map can be downloaded from: www.neweconomy.eco/carbon
Policy Brief
8 concrete steps for governments, regions, and companies: from certification to market integration and financing.
Download PDF (800 kB)
Market research Utrecht (main report)
Foundations of the Carbon Economy: Tools for the Province of Utrecht and user systems with more than 60 practical examples, policy analysis, CO₂ market insights, and calculation examples.
Download PDF (7 MB)
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