“I try to read most of the relevant studies on communication, public engagement and outreach of CCS projects”, says Marc Kombrink, communication manager of the Dutch offshore CCS project ROAD.

“However, communicating in real life about a specific project is never like what’s written on paper. The context of every project is different.”

Kombrink points out some unique characteristics of the ROAD project, saying, “Our capture installation is located in the highly industrialised harbour area of Rotterdam, but also in the most densely populated region of the Netherlands where people have a love-hate relation with industry. Apart from the city of Rotterdam, other smaller neighbouring municipalities, with their own local interests, are also stakeholders. And because we transport the CO₂ via pipelines to an offshore storage field, we are also a ‘marine’ project.”

Engaging local stakeholders is crucial according to all studies on acceptance of CCS projects. Kombrink acknowledges this. “In the preparation of the permits, the team presented the project in dozens of face to face meetings to aldermen, local politicians and other local stakeholders in Rotterdam and neighbouring municipalities. We explained the project, but were also focused on building a personal relationship with these people. We want to take away all barriers to contact each other and have an open dialogue.” During these meetings the team also learnt about the objectives and needs of the different municipalities. “Air pollution, safety and infrastructural impact and livability are themes of importance for all. But some, especially those with a coastline, also find tourism and nature important. We think along with them about how to integrate ROAD also in these objectives.” He gives the example of municipalities having several biking routes for tourists. “We discussed the option of providing information billboards on climate change and CO₂ reduction along the bike routes.”

Apart from the local politicians, the ROAD team also presents the project to other local stakeholders and citizens. As part of the permitting process for example, ROAD organised several information events for the general public in all neighbouring municipalities. “We try to avoid a theatre setting with plenary presentations, but organise it more like an information market. Several stands are set up around different aspects of the project. Our technical experts together with the communication team talk to people face to face or in small groups. We use billboards, brochures and images, but also exhibits like a piece of pipeline and cap rock.”

“Providing information is not enough!” Like many studies show, Kombrink agrees that you have to tailor the information to the target group. “You have to make sure you translate the project into daily language and use examples people can associate with. For example, the captured CO₂ from the power plant equals 25 per cent of the CO₂ emissions of all 500,000 households in the wider Rotterdam area.” He also points out the importance of making the project tangible. “Seeing and touching the cap rock, a piece of pipeline, using images and pictures, but also letting people experience the passion of the team members about their expertise. This makes people realise it is not an anonymous project of an unknown organisation, but that it is something you can feel and experience and that there are normal people involved in it.”

Local benefits are also considered crucial for the success of CCS projects. “Knowledge dissemination and education is an important direct local benefit of ROAD,” says Kombrink. He noticed that many of the stakeholders highly appreciate the already existing information centre at the future capture location. The centre provides information about the ROAD project and CCS, but also about climate change, energy and energy efficiency in general. “We welcome all kinds of stakeholders there: national and local politicians, students, representatives of neighbouring companies, citizens, etc.” He also tells about a group of guides who give tours to tourists and students in the Rotterdam harbour area. “They wanted to know a lot of details and also asked critical answers to learn what to tell their audiences. These guides are of course an important local stakeholder for us.”

Apart from local benefits, research on acceptance and stakeholder engagement of CCS projects, also points out the importance of the framing of the project. ROAD also presents the project as an important stepping stone for CCS within the Rotterdam Climate Initiative (RCI) that aims to reduce emissions in Rotterdam with 50 per cent in 2025 compared to 1990. “This also helps stakeholders to understand why the ROAD project is located in this area. Also, the RCI is perceived as a very positive and necessary initiative to keep the region liveable. We are proud to be part of that!”

Read the ROAD Stakeholder Management report.

Visit the ROAD website.

This is the second of two posts on the ROAD project. The previous post explored, more generally, the stakeholder management strategy of ROAD.