Obstacles for CCS deployment : An analysis of discrepancies of perceptions

The potential for CO2 emission reductions through carbon capture and storage (CCS)is depending on investments that can bring the technology from the current R&D through tocommercial applications. The intermediate step in this development is demonstration plants thatcan prove the technical, economic, social, and ecological feasibility of CCS technologies. Basedon a CCS stakeholder questionnaire survey and a literature review, we critically analysediscrepancies regarding perceptions of deployment obstacles and experiences from early demonstrationplants. The analysis identifies discrepancies between CCS policies versus importantdeployment considerations and CCS stakeholder policy demands. The discrepancy gap isemphasised by lessons from restructured, postponed, and cancelled CCS projects. To bridgethis cognitive gap towards proving CCS through demonstration activities, the article highlightspolicy implications of establishing a broad understanding of deployment obstacles. Attention tothese obstacles is important for policymakers and industry in channelling efforts to demonstratingCCS, hence validating the current focus on CCS as a key abatement potential. Under presentconditions, the findings question the robustness of current CCS abatement potential estimatesand deployment goals as established by policymakers and in scenarios.Support to Regulatory Activities for Carbon Capture and Storage (STRACO2)The climate policy research program Clipor