In the pursuit of a carbon-neutral future, the European Union is betting big on carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. But as the EU accelerates its decarbonization efforts, a critical question emerges: Can CCS deliver on its promises without leaving behind the very communities it aims to protect? A recent study published in the journal *Carbon Management* and led by Lina Lefstad from the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies in Sweden sheds light on this complex issue, revealing tensions between the EU’s market-driven approach to CCS and its commitments to equity.
The EU has positioned CCS as a cornerstone of its climate strategy, integrating it into the Net-Zero Industry Act and the Industrial Carbon Management Strategy. These policies build on the European Green Deal’s ambitious vision of balancing decarbonization with broader societal goals. However, as Lefstad’s research highlights, CCS deployment is not without its challenges—particularly when it comes to equity.
The study, which took a two-step approach, first identified the main equity concerns associated with CCS: health risks, storage access inequity, and socioeconomic disparities. Then, it analyzed the EU’s CCS policy framework to assess how well these concerns are addressed. The findings are sobering. “There’s a clear tension between the EU’s market-oriented approach to CCS and its normative commitments to equity,” Lefstad explains. “While the EU has made strides in recognizing the importance of equity, the policies often fall short in addressing the systemic inequities that CCS deployment could exacerbate.”
One of the key findings is that the EU’s CCS policies prioritize speed and scalability over safeguards for vulnerable communities. For instance, while the EU has established mechanisms to ensure that CCS projects do not pose undue health risks, these safeguards are often voluntary or lack enforcement mechanisms. Similarly, the issue of storage access inequity—where certain regions or countries may have disproportionate access to CCS infrastructure—remains largely unaddressed. “The current policy landscape risks creating a two-tiered system where some communities benefit from CCS while others bear the brunt of its risks,” Lefstad notes.
The study also highlights the socioeconomic implications of CCS deployment. While CCS projects can create jobs and stimulate economic growth, they can also lead to gentrification and displacement in low-income communities. The EU’s policies, Lefstad argues, need to be more proactive in ensuring that the benefits of CCS are distributed equitably and that vulnerable communities are not left behind.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? The findings suggest that the EU’s CCS policies need a significant overhaul to ensure that equity is not just an afterthought but a central consideration. This could involve stronger regulatory frameworks, more robust community engagement processes, and targeted investments in vulnerable regions. “The energy sector has a critical role to play in shaping a more equitable CCS landscape,” Lefstad says. “By adopting a more inclusive approach, companies can not only mitigate risks but also unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.”
As the EU continues to ramp up its CCS efforts, the stakes are high. The choices made today will shape the future of decarbonization and determine whether CCS can truly deliver on its promise of a sustainable, equitable future. For the energy sector, the message is clear: equity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic imperative. By prioritizing equity, companies can ensure that CCS deployment is not only effective but also just.