CCS, CCU, BECCS and CDR are four terms for capturing, using or removing CO2. CDR, or Carbon Dioxide Removal, is the umbrella term for removing CO2 already present in the atmosphere. CCS captures CO2 at an emission source and stores it permanently underground. CCU uses captured CO2 as a feedstock in products or fuels. BECCS combines bio-energy with capture and storage and counts as a technological form of CDR when the biogenic CO2 is stored permanently. The core distinction: CCS and CCU focus on the emission source, while CDR removes carbon already in the atmosphere. New Economy’s carbon sequestration market exploration shows that natural removal through nature-based solutions currently creates the greatest value in the Netherlands.
What is the difference between CCS, CCU, BECCS and CDR?
The four terms are not interchangeable. CDR is the umbrella category: removing CO2 from the atmosphere. CCS and CCU are source-based capture routes, while BECCS is a specific technological CDR route. The table compares the terms.
| Term | What it is | Reduction or removal | Storage duration | Position in the Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCS | Capture of CO2 at an emission source, followed by underground storage | Source reduction, not atmospheric removal unless the source is biogenic | Permanent, underground | Storage includes depleted gas fields under the North Sea |
| CCU | Capture plus use of CO2 as a feedstock | Application-dependent, often temporary | Short to medium term | Niche applications such as e-fuels, chemistry and materials |
| BECCS | Bio-energy combined with carbon capture and storage | Removal when biogenic CO2 is stored permanently | Permanent | Potential of around 4 Mt CO2 per year in 2030, with high biomass and energy demand |
| CDR | Umbrella term for removing CO2 already present in the atmosphere | Removal | Natural or technological | Natural potential of around 36 Mt CO2 per year |
What is CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage)?
CCS, or Carbon Capture and Storage, is the capture of CO2 at an emission source, followed by permanent underground storage, for example in depleted gas fields under the North Sea. CCS reduces emissions at the source. It does not remove CO2 already present in the atmosphere unless the source is biogenic. CCS is energy- and cost-intensive and should function as an addition to emission reduction, not as a replacement for it.
What is CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilisation)?
CCU, or Carbon Capture and Utilisation, captures CO2 and uses it as a feedstock in products or fuels, such as synthetic fuels, chemicals or building materials. In many applications the CO2 is released again later, which makes the storage temporary. CCU can be valuable in specific applications, but at scale it does not provide the same durable climate benefit as permanent storage or removal.
What is BECCS (Bio-Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage)?
BECCS, or Bio-Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage, combines bio-energy with carbon capture and storage. Because the CO2 comes from biomass that previously absorbed carbon from the atmosphere, BECCS counts as carbon dioxide removal when that CO2 is stored permanently. BECCS has longer-term potential, but it requires substantial biomass, energy and land. The market exploration estimates a 2030 potential of around 4 Mt CO2 per year.
What is CDR (Carbon Dioxide Removal)?
CDR, or Carbon Dioxide Removal, is the removal of CO2 already present in the atmosphere. CDR has two main routes: natural methods, including nature-based solutions such as reforestation, regenerative agriculture, peatland restoration and biobased construction; and technological methods, including Direct Air Capture and BECCS. Natural removal is already applicable, costs less than many technological routes and creates co-benefits for water, soil and biodiversity.
What position does New Economy take in this debate?
New Economy applies a natural carbon removal first principle. Nature-based solutions are proven, relatively affordable and directly applicable, while also strengthening water, soil and biodiversity. Technological routes such as CCS, BECCS and Direct Air Capture are additions, not substitutes for emission reduction. The sequence remains: first avoid, then reduce, then address the residual with removal that creates additional value. More detail is available in the carbon sequestration market exploration and in the explainer on moving beyond net zero.
Frequently asked questions about CCS, CCU, BECCS and CDR
CCS is the capture of CO₂ at an emission source, followed by underground storage, for example in depleted gas fields under the North Sea. CCS reduces source emissions but does not remove CO₂ already present in the atmosphere unless the source is biogenic.
CCS stores captured CO₂ permanently underground. CCU uses captured CO₂ as a feedstock in products or fuels, where the CO₂ is often released again later and storage is temporary.
BECCS combines bio-energy with carbon capture and storage. Because the CO₂ comes from biomass that previously absorbed carbon from the atmosphere, BECCS counts as carbon dioxide removal when storage is permanent. It requires substantial biomass, energy and land.
CDR is the removal of CO₂ already present in the atmosphere. The umbrella term includes natural methods, such as nature-based solutions, and technological methods, such as Direct Air Capture and BECCS.
CCS captures CO₂ at an emission source and prevents emissions, which is source reduction. CDR removes CO₂ already present in the atmosphere. CCS only becomes CDR when the captured CO₂ is biogenic, as with BECCS.
CO₂ storage is the storage step. CCS includes both capture and storage. Storage can be underground in depleted gas fields or above ground in nature, soil and biobased materials.