PilotSTRATEGY is increasing public awareness. At the local level, the different stakeholders engagement and public engagement activities generated a higher awareness about CCS in general and the potential of their region for CCS development. The project developed materials (presentations, FAQ, videos) useful for stakeholders and general public information.
PilotSTRATEGY is producing detailed geological characterization of storage sites in the 5 regions. By the end of the project, PilotSTRATEGY will further increase the maturity of the storage resource in Greece and Poland. For the sites in France, Spain, Poland and Portugal, PilotSTRATEGY will study long term fate of CO2 in the reservoir and effects of injection on near wellbore and caprock for a safe and permanent storage.
PilotSTRATEGY is actively preparing the ground for full and active development into operational phase in the studied regions.
At the project scale, PilotSTRATEGY was listed in the report of EC to EU parliament (Brussels, 24.10.2023; COM(2023) 657) on implementing EC CCS Directive; PilotSTRATEGY consortium participated actively during CCS directive guidance review (July 2023).
In France, local and national authorities and ministries requested to receive project information. The Grandpuits site (studied site in Paris Basin - France) is identified in the French strategy for CCUS. The Dutch start-up company C-Questra applied for an investigation permit in the Grandpuits area based on preliminary results published by PilotSTRATEGY.
In Spain, the industrial partner Repsol has submitted an Investigation Permit request which partially includes the offshore area proposed to be evaluated in Ebro Basin during RP1. A presentation of Spanish region was made in the COP28 and Zero Emission Platform (ZEP); these are 2 important places to find CCS project promoters. National authorities (MITECO) receive regular update about the project progress.
In Portugal as the shift focus to offshore storage in Portugal, discussion are ongoing with regulatory body and licensing authority DGEG. There is an urgent need to clarify regulatory procedures for CO2 storage offshore. At the local level, Figueira da Foz Municipality, is actively supporting and involved in PilotSTRATEGY actions in Portugal. Some emitters in the area have shown great interest in PilotSTRATEGY. The CTS - Direct injection from ship – a CETP project was launched, aiming to detail transport options from the Figueira da Foz port and involving potential CO2 suppliers CIMPOR and LHOIST, and the Figueira da Foz Port Authority as the location for a CO2 collection hub.
In Greece, CERTH and HEREMA (HHRM) made a project presentation in the Greek parliament elevating the project’s profile and emphasising its national significance. The regional meetings at Western Macedonia contribute locally to foster dialogue and build trust in CCS.
In Poland, actions and results of PilotSTRATEGY were presented and discussed in the Forum of Silesian Association of Communities. At national level, GIG team actively participates in ongoing work on amendments to the Geological and Mining Law in order to facilitate CCUS projects.
Through activities of WP6 and talk with authorities task (task1.4) PilotSTRATEGY is reaching another important expected impact: “Improve collaboration between different sectors and stakeholders”. Administration, authorities, citizens, NGO, mayor municipality, land-users, etc, discussed jointly during the Regional Stakeholder Committees various topics such as the place of CO2 storage in the local landscape.