Coordinating carbon capture and storage A recent project has promoted carbon dioxide (CO2) geological storage (CGS) in Europe through a range of coordination activities. Climate Change and Environment © Thinkstock Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a promising approach to mitigating the effects of climate change. However, for this approach to be effective there is a need for more widespread uptake in Europe. 'Pan-European coordination action on CO2 geological storage' (CGS EUROPE) was an EU-funded initiative working to combat climate change by facilitating CCS in Europe. CGS EUROPE promoted CGS deployment through networking and cooperation across various EU Member States and four Associated Countries. Thirty-four research institutes with extensive CO2 storage research experience and the European Network of Excellence on the Geological Storage of CO2 (CO2GeoNet) were involved. The project networked with CCS bodies and relevant organisations at national, European and international levels to facilitate CGS and obtain external funding. It also worked closely with the CO2GeoNet task force to ensure that CGS activities continue beyond the scope of this project. Project partners set up a user-friendly and easy-to-understand knowledge repository database for CCS users. Three reports were drafted that provide information on monitoring CGS system performance, storage site selection, operational and safety risks, and pertinent directives and regulations. Team members formed partnerships with other CCS researchers to create databases of potential storage sites, specify storage infrastructure requirements and support CGS pilot projects. CGS EUROPE also hosted a number of workshops, seminars and short courses for members of CO2GeoNet. Finally, through the activities of CGS EUROPE, CO2GeoNet was expanded to include 24 members in 16 countries. These efforts have narrowed the knowledge gap on CGS through widespread dissemination and networking. The project outcomes will ensure significant reduction in CO2 levels through knowledge sharing between scientific bodies, as well as financial and regulatory support. Keywords Carbon capture and storage, carbon dioxide, geological storage, climate change, CO2 geological storage
