Blockchain Becomes Europe’s Climate Watchdog

Europe turns to blockchain to track stored carbon, boosting transparency and trust in CCUS

12 Nov 2025

Europe is turning to blockchain to inject transparency into its growing carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) industry. As the continent races toward net-zero emissions, the technology offers a way to track carbon from smokestack to storage with precision and shared trust.

A new framework called CO2-Echain, described in Energy Proceedings, shows how blockchain could log every stage of the carbon storage journey. From capture to transport to underground injection, each data point would be stored in a shared digital ledger that can’t be altered without detection. Though still in early research, the concept points to a future where every ton of captured carbon can be traced and verified in real time.

The European Union’s Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Regulation supports this vision. The rule sets new benchmarks for how carbon removal is verified and reported, and blockchain fits neatly within that goal. It also aligns with the EU’s broader digital strategy to standardize emissions reporting and build confidence in environmental data.

Trust is a major challenge in CCUS, where multiple players handle carbon along its route. A blockchain ledger would ensure everyone sees the same information, reducing the risk of double counting or misreporting. That transparency could also help regulators and investors feel more confident in the numbers.

Still, the system is only as strong as its inputs. Blockchain makes records permanent, not necessarily accurate. Reliable sensors, standardized data, and strong verification remain essential. Costs could also be a barrier, especially for smaller companies.

Under the EU regulation, a Union-wide carbon registry is expected around 2028. If these plans take hold, blockchain could become a cornerstone of Europe’s carbon accountability. And with it, a clearer path may emerge toward credible, large-scale carbon storage and the continent’s 2050 climate ambitions.