The evolution of regulatory practice for CCS projects in Canada

Abstract

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) pilot and demonstration projects began in Canada in the 1990s. This review of publicly available documentation considers the regulatory application and approval practice for four large Canadian projects that are either under construction or in operation. Results find that oversight of CCS projects is value chain specific and obtaining documentation can be challenging. However, technical risk assessment supporting approvals is moving forward, with an increasing range of chain component health and environmental risks being assessed using referenced approaches. Monitoring remains the primary risk management approach. Global risk estimation is not completed and unresolved issues about transparency in risk communication could have the potential to negatively impact broad public acceptance of CCS and therefore project viability in the long run.