CCUS Legal and Regulatory Handbook
Introduction
Meeting net zero goals will require widespread deployment of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). CCUS is uniquely positioned to support deep emission reductions in key sectors, including heavy industry, and to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. According to the IEA Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, CCUS deployment is expected to grow by a factor of almost 200 to capture over 7.6 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2050.
The successful global deployment of CCUS at this scale will depend on robust legal and regulatory frameworks that ensure safe, secure, and permanent CO2 storage in deep geological formations. Such frameworks must also protect the environment and public health, clarify the rights and responsibilities of stakeholders, and provide a legal foundation for the development, operation, and long-term management of CO2 storage resources. Effective regulation can help build public confidence in and acceptance of the technology.
Global experience in regulating CCUS is growing. Over 20 national and sub-national jurisdictions have established laws and regulations for CCUS, with these laws increasingly applied as the pipeline of CCUS facilities expands. As of early 2022, around 30 commercial CCUS facilities are operating in nine countries, dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. While two-thirds of these projects are concentrated in North America, commercial CCUS facilities are now under development in more than 25 countries. For some countries, these planned facilities will be among the first to test existing legal and regulatory frameworks for CCUS; for others, new laws and regulations may be required.
Key Issues and Case Studies
This IEA CCUS Handbook serves as a resource for developing and updating legal and regulatory frameworks for CCUS. It identifies 25 priority issues that frameworks should address for CCUS deployment and presents global case studies on how different jurisdictions have approached these issues. The handbook is supported by a comprehensive online CCUS Legal and Regulatory Database, which provides examples of legislative approaches to CCUS from around the world. Additionally, it updates the 2010 IEA CCUS Model Regulatory Framework, offering Model Legislative Text as a reference for relevant authorities when developing tailored CCUS legislation for their national or regional context. The Model Text also includes example definitions of common terms used within CCUS legal and regulatory frameworks.
Conclusion
The successful deployment of CCUS at the necessary scale requires well-defined legal and regulatory frameworks. This handbook aims to provide a comprehensive guide for policymakers and regulators, highlighting key issues and offering practical insights through global case studies. By leveraging the experiences and lessons learned from existing frameworks, countries can build robust and effective legal and regulatory systems to support the deployment of CCUS.
