20120930-IEA-4th_CCS_Regulatory_Network_Meeting_Workshop_Report_2012_29页_731kb

4th IEA International CCS Regulatory Network Meeting Summary

Core Content

The 4th IEA International CCS Regulatory Network Meeting was held in Paris, France, from 9 to 10 May 2012. The meeting aimed to update participants on government efforts to develop and implement carbon capture and storage (CCS) legal and regulatory frameworks and to explore how governments are addressing complex regulatory challenges associated with CCS.

The meeting was structured into eight topical sessions across two days, covering global and regional developments, risk assessment, liability management, and policy incentives for CCS. It also featured discussions on international legal frameworks, such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and marine treaties, which are crucial for the global deployment of CCS.

Main Objectives

• To provide an update on government efforts to develop and implement CCS legal and regulatory frameworks.
• To consider ways in which governments are dealing with complex aspects of CCS regulation.
• To facilitate dialogue among regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders to advance CCS deployment.

Key Points

1. IEA's Role and Mission

• The International Energy Agency (IEA) was established in 1974 to promote energy security and provide authoritative energy research.
• It has been working on CCS legal and regulatory aspects for over a decade.
• The CCS Regulatory Network was launched in 2008 to serve as a neutral forum for CCS regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders.
• The Network has a global membership of over 1400 people from 50 countries, including 20 developing countries.

2. Challenges and Progress in CCS Deployment

• The ETP 2012 2DS scenario envisions significant CCS deployment by 2050, with CCS contributing around 20% to emissions reductions.
• However, current deployment levels are far below the required targets, indicating a need for urgent policy action.
• The Global CCS Institute (GCCSI) reported that only six or seven CCS projects were expected to be operational by 2015.
• Many current projects capture CO₂ from industrial processes and use it for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), which is cost-effective.

3. International Legal Developments

• The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol has procedures for CCS inclusion, including liability management and handling of net reversals of storage.
• The UNFCCC Secretariat highlighted the need for a clear definition of transboundary projects and the establishment of a global reserve of certified emissions reduction units (CERs).
• The London Protocol prohibits the transboundary movement of CO₂ for offshore storage, and ratification of the 2009 amendment is needed to enable such transfers. Only Norway and the UK have ratified it so far.

4. Regulatory Frameworks in Key Regions

Australia

• Federal regulation for offshore CCS is under the Commonwealth, while onshore regulation is managed by states and territories.
• The COAG CCS Working Group has developed six key principles for regulating CCS.
• Western Australia has adopted project-specific regulation for the Gorgon Project and is moving towards amending existing petroleum laws to regulate onshore storage and transport.

Americas

• Canada shares regulatory responsibility between federal and provincial governments.
• The National Roundtable on Environment and Economy estimates that CCS could contribute up to 40% of emissions reductions by 2050.
• Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia have either regulated CCS or are considering policies to do so.

United States

• The EPA has introduced Class VI rules under the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program for CO₂ storage.
• Performance standards and emissions limits are being developed to incentivize CCS, particularly for coal-fired power plants.
• The EPA has proposed exemption from hazardous waste regulations for anthropogenic CO₂, simplifying liability management.

Key Recommendations

• Governments should assess the role of CCS in their energy futures and develop suitable deployment strategies.
• Clear timelines for enabling regulations are essential.
• Transboundary CCS projects require international legal clarity and ratification of relevant amendments.
• Public acceptance and policy support remain critical challenges for CCS deployment.

Conclusion

The meeting underscored the urgent need for policy action to accelerate CCS deployment and meet global emission reduction targets. While progress is being made, current regulatory frameworks are not sufficient, and international cooperation is necessary to overcome legal and jurisdictional barriers. The IEA continues to play a central role in supporting CCS development through research, analysis, and policy guidance.