_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CCS
interests and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations . Engagement would likely include the extent to which different stakeholders are involved in decision-making , including how concerns are considered and addressed . For CCS , project success relies on technical expertise , understanding , and allaying concerns . This will require a shift from the basic consultation many stakeholders experience today to a much deeper level of involvement beyond regulatory requirements . Authentic , inclusive , sensitive , and respectful communication is key . Alignment would likely seek to build upon transparency , to explore how to facilitate the widespread sharing of benefits and risks and participatory decision-making . The Princeton research revealed that while professionals are positive about the benefits and have a measured view of the risks , this sentiment is not fully shared by the local and general public . Early , authentic engagement with host communities and other stakeholders is vital for improving the acceptance of CCS and the perception of its benefits and decreasing perceived risks . Adaptability would likely recognize the importance of reflecting unique cultural , historical , legal , commercial and political nuances and how these interests should be safeguarded within CCS projects . The
Princeton research shows that people are cautious about
CCS , with unjust impact on communities raised by some as a reason for distrust , underlining the need for greater adaptability to ensure projects serve the interests of all stakeholders . Transparency would likely cover the information that should be shared and how it should be verified . The Princeton research found that within the CCS professionals group , 64 percent are generally skeptical about the information provided by other CCS companies working on the same CCS project . Additionally , 59 percent of professionals express skepticism towards information from regulators , and 57 percent towards information from environmental organizations in relation to CCS projects . This level of distrust between industry collaborators will only slow progress if left unaddressed . Instead , information should be shared between all parties for the common good .
Trust is a critical enabler in meeting the massive infrastructure challenge that climate change presents . Trust is difficult to build and easy to lose . Developing guidance that highlights practical ways to build , maintain and leverage trust amongst participants will help drive CCS project deployment forward . It will help release the brakes on the energy transition and the world ’ s ability to deliver net zero infrastructure at the speed of trust . ■
Gary
LeMaire www . worley . com
Gary LeMaire is Senior Director CCUS at Worley , a global professional services company of energy , chemicals and resources experts . It partners with customers to deliver projects and create value over the life of their assets . It bridges two worlds , moving towards more sustainable energy sources while helping to provide the energy , chemicals and resources needed now .
energy-oil-gas . com 19