Speaker
Description
Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS) is recognized as an important component for achieving climate neutrality goals in Europe. In Germany, however, large-scale deployment of CO₂ storage faces legal and societal barriers, particularly for onshore storage. The ongoing revision of the national legal framework will enable offshore CO₂ storage, but prohibits onshore storage, though it will include an opt-in clause for federal states to allow storage onshore.
Facing such obstacles to unlock onshore storage potentials in saline aquifers and hydrocarbon fields, the focus concerning large-scale CO₂ storage has shifted towards offshore storage in the German North Sea. The deep subsurface there is promising for CO₂ storage, yet competing uses and marine protected areas may limit available storage space significantly. A comparable situation exists in Belgium, where storage is generally allowed, but constraints by public opinion, lack of deep geological knowledge and overall capacity exist.
Consequently, both Germany and Belgium increasingly view the development of cross-border CO₂ transport infrastructure and shared transport routes as a viable alternative, to access storage capacities in neighboring offshore sectors, with primary targets in the Danish and Norwegian North Sea. Both countries have advanced regulatory frameworks and offer immediate storage opportunities. Regarding small-scale CO₂ storage, however, regional cooperation to explore onshore storage options can be sought, targeting smaller saline aquifers and hydrocarbon fields. In Germany, this is supported by the intention of some federal states to draw the opt-in clause for onshore storage.
| If your abstract is not accepted for an oral presentation, would you be interested in presenting it as a poster instead? | Yes |
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| If accepted by the Scientific Board, I agree to have my presentation/poster and abstract published on the Belgian Climate Centre websites and social media. | Yes |
