ConsenCUS shares first EU recommendations on CO2 storage
This week, consortium partner Energy Policy Group (EPG) published a policy document outlining the preliminary results of the EU Horizon 2020 project ConsenCUS. The document includes a number of policy considerations regarding the introduction of CO2capture and storage (CCUS) in the EU, resulting from the project's findings to date.
The EU has a clear goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050—an economy with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon Capture Utility Storage (CCUS) technologies are becoming relevant and could play a significant role in achieving the EU's net-zero emissions targets. CCUS will be particularly crucial for industrial sectors with emissions that are difficult to make sustainable, such as oil refining, cement, and magnesium.
The ConsenCUS consortium is developing an innovative technology for capturing and converting CO2 based on electricity and advises companies and policymakers on the application of these technologies in key industries in the EU.
New policy considerations
This first summary of research findings highlights seven policy considerations and recommendations based on the findings of the ConsenCUS projectThese go beyond the known challenges to CCUS implementation (such as the lack of a regulatory framework, high costs, and suboptimal coordination between stakeholders).
The full recommendations are in the document, but in short:
- The use of raw materials and energy in the various CO2Capture and conversion processes vary. The impact of consumed raw materials and energy should therefore be a key criterion for both policy and permitting.
- CCUS trajectories (including -temporary- underground storage) must be suitable for ultimate use in a net zero era.
- Any impact assessment of CCUS strategies must also include Scope 2 and 3 emissions from the entire CCUS chain.
- The CCUS technology innovation pipeline should include multiple scalable, modular capture technologies, given the diversity of CO2 sources in industries where CCUS will play a role in decarbonising the economy.
- The shared infrastructure for CO2-transport and storage must be subject to strict standards and models for sharing CO liability2-sources and end users connected to the infrastructure.
- De member states should be tasked with developing a comprehensive strategy and funding framework for research, innovation and deployment of CCUS, embracing innovation and learning by doing are encouraged.
- The involvement of local communities and stakeholders, including through capacity building activities, should be an essential requirement for CCUS projects.
With CCUS policy currently a hot topic of discussion in the EU, it is important that policymakers consider all aspects of the CCUS chain and learn from research and innovation projects such as ConsenCUS.
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