Assessing the viability of Norwegian carbon capture and storage technology via a socio-technical framework

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology and its viability for large scale deployment in Norway. Despite the significant role attributed to CCS in many climate mitigation scenarios, there is currently insufficient global uptake, with no European CCS facilities currently in operation outside of Norway. Norway is often referred to as a pioneer of CCS technology, thus viability in Norway can be seen as a crucial determinant in the context of wider global development. A socio-technical framework, designed specifically to assess CCS viability, is applied to the Norwegian context. This allows for the identification of key uncertainties which inhibit its technological development and diffusion. This paper should serve to contribute to the existing social science literature on CCS whilst also providing a useful overview to support decision making in Norway. Key findings are that uncertainty is diminished with regards to public acceptability, pathway variety and the safety of geological storage. However, it is still prevalent in other aspects, most notably that of economic and financial viability. The interdependent nature of the uncertainties makes resolution a complicated task. The paper concludes that, whilst further research is required, a targeted policy approach would seem to be the best method for diminishing the most prevalent uncertainties in order to bolster CCS viability.