How will CCS be regulated?

The regulatory frameworks governing geological CO2 storage are being developed worldwide. (Photo: Libraryphotos.com)

The regulatory frameworks governing geological CO2 storage are being developed worldwide.

In general, current projects are licensed under petroleum legislation.

However, in Europe an EC Directive enabling European Member States to enact legislation of the regulation of CCS was approved by the European Parliament in December 2008.

The Directive says that the issues of leakage and potential long-term stewardship of storage sites must be addressed if the potential for CO2 capture and storage to provide substantial reductions in atmospheric CO2 emissions is to be realised.