Research on the integration of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) approaches into Korea’s emission trading system as an eligible mitigation activity: Based on the Delphi expert survey method

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approaches have recently gained traction for their mitigation potential to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality. Numerous policy options have been proposed to facilitate the demonstration and deployment of CDR approaches. Integration of CDR approaches into the emission trading system (ETS) is one such essential policy. While major global jurisdictions are actively exploring the integration of CDR approaches, including engineering-based CDR approaches, into their ETS, the Korean ETS (K-ETS) currently includes only afforestation & reforestation, which is one of the nature-based CDR approaches, as eligible mitigation options. In this regard, it is an opportune time to consider the integration of other CDR approaches into the K-ETS as eligible mitigation activities. Accordingly, this study explores two research questions. First, it conducts research on the integration of CDR approaches into ETS in other regions. The study then explores the most appropriate policy approaches to the integration of CDR approaches into the K-ETS, drawing on the results of the Delphi survey among experts. For this, four questionnaires were prepared: one each to query i) the necessity of K-ETS institutional improvement, ii) CDR approaches to be prioritized for integration into the K-ETS, iii) policies to consider CDR approaches, particularly engineering-based CDR approaches, in the K-ETS, and iv) values to be prioritized. The survey results reveal Korea’s future policy path for the integration of CDR approaches into the K-ETS.