CCS Licence Tendering - What Contribution for Addressing Climate Change?

The 'climate change' equation and maths are at times disheartening. As happens with most complex systems, answers to existing problems are typically complex and multifaceted. There is no single, right solution for the problem, which means a combination of measures will have to be struck.

If I were asked to indicate the critical parameters for a successful energy transition towards a truly sustainable new paradigm of a low carbon society, I would suggest the following (in no specific order): (i) energy efficiency (notably based on innovation); (ii) larger investment on and deployment of renewables; (iii) a balanced, very long term ‘phasing-out’ for hydrocarbons; and (iv) a successful Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) program.

On this last point, perhaps it is worth mentioning the Norwegian experience. As announced by the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD), a licencing round for injection and storage of CO2 was recently concluded. The NPD is apparently approaching the awarding of such licenses for injection and storage of CO2 in a manner similar to the awarding of production licenses, aiming at achieving a cost-effective solution for full-scale CCS in Norway. [https://www.npd.no/en/news/News/2018/Northern-Lights-applies-for-permission-to-inject-and-store-CO2-on-the-Norwegian-Shelf/]

New ground is being broken in the ‘climate change’ front. Perhaps success will ultimately emerge from measures such as this. Developments on CCS should definitely be monitored.