CCS regulatory test toolkit launched
The Global CCS Institute’s latest publication of a CCS Regulatory Test Toolkit has been developed to ensure best practice in developing regulations and permitting processes around CCS projects providing a valuable blueprint for governments seeking to roll out the technology.
As part of its role to accelerate the commercial deployment of CCS globally, the Institute commissioned the toolkit, which was produced by the University of Edinburgh on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Implementing the toolkit will assist governments, regulators, and industry to work quickly together to map, test and understand national regulatory processes for CCS projects.
This includes:
- who needs to be involved;
- what resources are required;
- what permits are required;
- what information and analysis is required;
- what the consents timelines are likely to be; and
- how to follow-up on lessons learned.
It guides users through a regulatory test exercise, which provides a low-cost, low-risk approach to testing regional and national legislation and regulatory systems for CCS projects, and gaining the benefits in follow-up activities. This will identify opportunities for process improvement as well as any gaps in knowledge, legislation or procedures.
The toolkit has been endorsed by the European Union, which through its CCS Demonstration Project Network will encourage member states to use the tool to test their domestic regulatory regimes. Romania has expressed interest in using the toolkit to test rules around its demonstration project.
Bob Pegler, the Institute’s General Manager – Europe said the release of the toolkit marks a significant step in the Institute’s efforts to share knowledge and best practice globally.
“The toolkit is a very practical, much needed tool for governments implementing CCS,” he said.
“It can help governments easily and effectively test the adequacy of their regulatory regimes, ensuring that CO2 is transported with minimal disruption to communities and that it is safely and securely stored underground. It’s a good tool for coordination and testing the interdependence of numerous CCS regulatory processes.”
To view the complete toolkit click here.
