The regulation of carbon capture and geological storage
Carbon capture and storage (or sequestration) (CCS) has the potential to be an important climate change mitigation technology for the 21st century, integrating fossil fuels into a carbon managed energy system, and helping to meet the growing worldwide demand for energy until fully renewable energy systems come online. The technology is conceptually simple : carbon dioxide (CO2) is captured from electric power plants or industrial sources, transported to the injection site, and injected deep underground for storage.
However, the technology is still some years from commercial implementation. There are very few test sites in operation and, therefore, almost no risk assessment data available. There are, additionally, substantial unresolved questions which relate to how the technology will be regulated, how the necessary investment will be financed and what liability regime(s) will be most appropriate.
Project summary and objectives
Expert contributions and workshop
Further information is available from CCS@irgc.org