Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage: Public Confidence in Risk Decision-Making

Abstract

AbstractCanada has developed extensive expertise and experience in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Although CCUS has repeatedly been identified as an important option for carbon dioxide emissions reductions in the last fifteen years, it has not reached its potential largely because the technology faces challenges across a range of socioeconomic and political risks. This chapter identifies the key risks influencing public confidence in CCUS and government decision-making processes and develops recommendations for decision-makers to support public confidence in risk decision-making for CCUS. It includes in-depth interviews with decision-makers from a variety of sectors related to CCUS policy and implementation along with a comprehensive review of academic, industry, and government publications. Using the REACT framework of risk management tools (regulatory, economic, advisory, community-based, and technology), the chapter recommends a variety of risk management options that can help to strengthen public confidence in CCUS and regulatory frameworks underpinning its development. The analysis suggests that a wide variety of actions is needed in order for CCUS to make the contribution to climate mitigation that continues to be envisioned for large industrial sites.