Faces of carbon capture and storage: successes, challenges, and its impact on public perception.

Mahon, Ruissein

Abstract

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is agreed by some to be a promising and effective climate change mitigation strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in hard to abate sectors. However, within society, there has been a growing backlash as to the 'real' climate benefits of CCS projects and whether these projects are being used as a 'smokescreen' to distract the public from further oil and gas field development projects, Figure 1. This presentation delves into the multifaceted world of CCS, exploring its remarkable successes, formidable challenges, and the diverse public perceptions surrounding it. This talk will highlight flagship, global CCS projects that have successfully implemented CCS technologies, demonstrating its impact on reducing carbon footprints and advancing sustainable practices. It will also showcase poor performing CCS projects and examine how technical, economic, and regulatory challenges have limited its widespread adoption and garnered negative public perception regarding its benefits. As public perception plays a crucial role in the deployment of CCS projects, there is a need to gain the 'social license' to operate. Therefore, developing an understanding of the perspectives of enthusiastic supporters, sceptics and opposers is essential for developing effective communication strategies and fostering public trust. Using case studies, this presentation aims to provide a comprehensive overview that informs, inspires, and sparks meaningful dialogue on the path of on-going and developmental CCS projects and provides insights into the voices that shape their future. This talk is beneficial for climate communicators, policymakers, industry and public relation professionals, and educators.

Citation

MAHON, R. 2024. Faces of carbon capture and storage: successes, challenges, and its impact on public perception. Presented at the UKCCSRC (UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Centre) Knowledge exchange conference 2024, 5-6 November 2024, Sheffield, UK.

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: UKCCSRC (UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Centre) Knowledge exchange conference 2024
• Start Date: Nov 5, 2024
• End Date: Nov 6, 2024
• Acceptance Date: Oct 9, 2024
• Publication Date: Nov 5, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 5, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 16, 2024
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Carbon capture; Carbon capture storage; Energy transition; Emissions
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2571250