CCUS or no CCUS? Societal support from policy frameworks and stakeholder perceptions in France, Spain and Poland

Abstract

Carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) is a potentially relevant option to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The development of CCUS has so far been slow in spite of substantial plans for implementation for example by the European Union. Lack of societal support is among the reasons cited for this gap between ambitions and implementation. Against this background, this paper simultaneously looks into the policy framework as well as stakeholder perceptions of CCUS as indicators for societal support. The focus is on three regions in three different European countries (Ebro Basin, Spain; Paris Basin, France; Upper Silesia, Poland) and a potential implementation of CCUS in these regions. The empirical data this paper draws on consists of 40 stakeholder interviews on the regional and national level. Our analysis points to differences between the countries with France being most advanced. The main driver for the development of CCUS in all three countries is (local) economic benefit by preserving existing or creating new industries. Barriers include costs, potential environmental impacts, and to some extent lack of support from policymakers and the public.