D2.2. Workshops on non-technical aspects

The following summarizes three workshops exploring the landscape of the interrelated non- technical challenges of CCUS (Carbon capture utilization and storage) hubs and clusters in Europe. The workshops were held to jointly with industries explore expert insights toward a strengthened shared understanding of both common as well as region-specific challenges experienced or expected on the path to developing CCUS hubs and clusters. This may serve to identify possible ways to cooperatively overcome such challenges and mobilize opportunities for carbon management in Europe toward net-zero emissions. 

On May 2, 2023, the CCUS ZEN Horizon Project's the first workshop on non-technical challenges took place with attendees from various industries. Titled "Workshop on legal and regulatory aspects," the session featured a presentation by Lena Wammer Ostgaard, Legal Advisor at IOM Law followed by moderated discussion in breakout groups. The presentation focused on international and regional legal frameworks relevant to CCS operations, with an emphasis on the London Convention and Protocol, the Barcelona Convention, and the Helsinki Convention. Discussions during the workshop revolved around regulatory obstacles
for hubs and clusters in various countries. 

On June 14, 2023, the second workshop delved into key economic and MRV/accounting issues associated with CCUS implementation. The session featured presentations by Romain Viguier, Business Development Manager for Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage and Matthias Honegger of Perspectives Climate Research. Presentations examined the need for suitable business models, economic viability, infrastructure requirements, and
competition with other decarbonization technologies. The significance of robust MRV mechanisms for tracking carbon dioxide in CCS projects and related challenges were explored – industry readiness, regulatory readiness, and limited recognition of certain activities under the EU ETS. Attendees from industries discussed with project partners. 

On June 28, 2023, the third workshop of the CCUS ZEN Horizon Project's Work Package 2 focused on factors influencing social acceptance, political developments, and communication strategies. Florian Schmitt, of Perspectives Climate Research, moderated the event featuring presentations by Farid Karimi, Senior lecturer at the University of Jyväskylä, Darrick Evensen, Associate professor at the University of Edinburgh, and Ulrika Dahlberg, Researcher at the University of Jyväskylä. Presenters highlighted social acceptance challenges and explored key factors that influence it, such as risk/benefit perceptions, trust in stakeholders, communication and engagement strategies, and cultural orientations. The discussions with attendees from industry explored how these issues could affect development of hubs and clusters and identified potential solutions. Participants shared experiences and insights including regarding social acceptance and political support, as well as a wide range of factors affecting acceptance. For more detailed information on the workshops, including the presenters' slides and an in- depth study of non-technical challenges refer to the resources provided for CCUS ZEN Partners and Network Partners on the CCUS ZEN sharepoint as well as any resources available on the CCUS ZEN project website or contact project partners.