The potential of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) to decarbonize the industry sector in Europe - A multidisciplinary three-country comparison

Abstract

Introduction Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage is a technology aiming at mitigating climate change by capturing and either permanently storing CO2 (CCS) or using it as a feedstock (CCU). This research answered the following research question: “What role could CCUS play for European countries to decarbonize the industry sector?”. Based on three perspectives, this research question is answered: the policy mix, technical potential, and socio-political acceptance studied in each of the three following countries: France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Subsequently, this research focussed on the alignment of these three perspectives within each of the respective countries and a cross-country comparison.

Theory The policy mix framework is used to identify what role industrial CCUS plays in the respective national decarbonisation strategy. Subsequently, the CCUS technology process-chain have been used to research the known technical potential of industrial CCUS in the three respective countries. Lastly, the technology acceptance framework provided the concepts to identify which of these concepts influence the socio-political acceptance of industrial CCUS in the three respective countries.

Methodology The research followed a qualitative research design to answer the main- and sub-questions. First, desk research has been executed, substantiated by nine interviews with researchers and industry respondents.

Results In France, the lacking industrial CCU goal and instrument mix resulted in a weak alignment between the policy mix with the technical potential and the socio-political acceptance. However, there is a strong alignment between the latter two. In Spain, the lacking industrial CCUS goals are compensated by the highly consistent instrument mix and the first steps to significantly increase socio-political acceptance, resulting in a medium to strong alignment between the three perspectives. In the Netherlands, there is a strong alignment between all three perspectives due to the strong policy mix, substantiated by a large technical potential and a socio-political acceptance that is addressed.

Conclusion and discussion The potential role for industrial CCS is large and relatively certain, and the potential role for industrial CCU is medium and rather unsure. A consistent instrument mix combined with addressing the socio-political acceptance nationally and especially on a local level is critical to further industrial CCUS developments. Also, to fully tap the industrial CCUS potential, the transportation system needs to be addressed soon as this is a long-term and essential process. The role of industrial CCUS in Europe requires further research concerning various economic aspects and international CO2 transportation.