20120630-IEA-Carbon_Capture_and_Storage_Legal_and_Regulatory_Review_2012_108页_2mb

Carbon Capture and Storage Legal and Regulatory Review - Edition 3 Summary

1. Introduction and IEA Context:

   • CCS is a critical technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming.
   • The IEA coordinates international efforts through networks like the CCS Regulatory Network to share knowledge and accelerate CCS deployment.

2. Global Trends:

   • Since the second edition, there has been continued momentum in CCS regulatory developments, with regional governments playing a key role (e.g., Australia, North America, Europe).
   • Stakeholder engagement is central to CCS deployment, with successes and challenges highlighted in international projects like Barendrecht (Netherlands) and various German states.

3. Regional Contributions:

   • Countries like Canada (Alberta), Australia, and the U.S. (Texas, Illinois) have finalized regulatory frameworks.
   • Notable developments include the assessment of competition between resources (oil vs. storage in Australia), third-party access in the UK, and pore space ownership in Alberta.

4. Focus Areas:

   • Stakeholder Engagement: Governments are working to improve public and community participation, with the IEA promoting flexible, adaptive strategies.
   • Financial Mechanisms: Cost-effective standards and incentives are being developed to support CCS deployment beyond initial demonstration projects.
   • CO₂-EOR: The intersection between enhanced oil recovery and CO₂ storage remains critical, with regulatory refinements in regions like Texas.
   • Liability Rules: Long-term liability for stored CO₂ is a persistent challenge, with evolving approaches in liability transfer and financial security mechanisms.

5. National and Regional Progress:

   • Key jurisdictions (e.g., Australia, Canada, Germany, Mexico) are actively transposing and refining the EU CO₂ Storage Directive under various frameworks.
   • Countries like South Africa and Mexico are incorporating CCS into their climate and energy policies, often through partnerships with international organizations.

6. Organization Contributions:

   • Organizations such as the Global CCS Institute, IEA, and CCSReg are advancing legal and regulatory frameworks through research, consultations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives like the Regulatory Toolkit.

7. Previous Editions and Continuity:

   • The IEA continues building on Edition 1 and 2, focusing on long-term liability, stakeholder engagement, and international legal advancements (e.g., London Protocol).

In conclusion, the IEA plays a pivotal role in advancing CCS regulations globally. Though progress is ongoing, challenges such as liability, public acceptance, and harmonized international rules persist, demanding continued cooperation among governments, industry, and international organizations.