On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, a group of climate and net-zero pioneers visited the site of Switzerland’s largest Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) project, near Niederwil in the Greater Zurich region.
The delegation included South Pole CEO Dr. Daniel Klier, CO2 Energie AG Managing Director Philippe Lehmann and Professor Dr. Cyril Brunner of ETH Zurich, joined by representatives from leading Swiss companies in the financial and industrial sectors. This visit offered a firsthand look at the innovative project, jointly developed by CO2 Energie AG, Airfix and South Pole, with contribution from Carbon Impact. CO2 Energie AG is a joint venture between Recycling Energie AG and Regionalwerke AG Baden.
The project, based at Switzerland’s largest biogas plant owned by Recycling Energie AG, combines biogas production with advanced carbon capture technology to capture over 4,300 tonnes of CO₂ annually and transport it to Northern Europe for permanent geological storage. It aims to deliver a groundbreaking solution for negative emissions and has achieved several decisive milestones essential for its deployment.
Philippe Lehmann, Managing Director of CO2 Energie AG said:
“We are doing pioneering work with this CO₂ capture and liquefaction plant. As far as I know, no comparable projects have ever been realised in Switzerland that sell CO₂ removal certificates as a side product of biomethane production, or permanently store CO2 outside of Switzerland.”
Key milestones achieved
This BECCS project has cleared a number decisive hurdles, ensuring it is on track to begin operations in Q1 2026:
- Final investment decision (FID): Taken a few weeks ago, securing the project’s financial commitment.
- Construction permission: Received approval from Swiss authorities for the CO₂ capture and liquefaction plant at its new site in Niederwil.
- Key component contracts: Signed agreements for the delivery of essential installation components.
- Permanent storage contract: Nearing the finalisation of a long-term contract for permanent CO₂ storage in Northern Europe.
The first issuance of Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU) certified carbon removal certificates is expected by 2026/2027.
An opportunity for private sector leadership
Dr. Daniel Klier, CEO of South Pole, emphasised the importance of private sector commitment to the project’s success:
“The private sector has a central role to play in financing and scaling carbon removal technologies. Visiting this BECCS project today with climate and business leaders, it’s clear to see that we’re making significant progress in opening new avenues for companies to take climate action. Through South Pole and Airfix’s collaboration with CO2 Energie AG, we’ve overcome many challenges and are ready to offer long-term offtake agreement for BECCS certificates. For businesses, this means a stable supply of high quality removals credits and a front row seat in driving forward the transformative change needed to reach net zero.”
The project has already secured its first buyer, with the Swiss Climate Cent Foundation committing to purchase BECCS certificates worth CHF 10 million until 2030, providing critical support for its development and long-term viability.
A blueprint for scalable negative emissions in Switzerland and beyond
The project plays a leading role in Switzerland’s journey toward its net-zero targets, contributing to the country’s target of 7 million tonnes of CO₂ removal per year by 2050. In addition to supporting Switzerland’s ambitious climate goals, the project promotes sustainable farming practices and renewable energy generation.
The project not only marks an important achievement for Switzerland but also provides a model that can be replicated elsewhere. By combining BECCS technology, private sector involvement and early financial support, it shows how practical, large-scale solutions for carbon removals could be implemented, helping accelerate the path to net-zero emissions globally.
For further information on the project and opportunities to engage, get in touch with us.
Jonas Lötscher, Senior CDR Manager, Airfix
