A transnational study on the determinants of social acceptance of carbon capture, transport, and storage (CCS)

Abstract Carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure is important for the fulfilment of GHG emissions mitigation targets. Despite its contribution to combating climate change, CCS remains a controversial technology often facing public resistance, making social acceptance a prerequisite for its further development. Hence, the MOF4AIR European project explores social issues related to CCS. A literature review was performed identifying the factors influencing CCS infrastructure social acceptance, while the research gaps concerning the themes under investigation were detected. In this context, the innovative elements this study aims to provide are: carrying out a transnational analysis in seven countries (Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Norway, Turkey, and the UK), and examining factors (procedural and distributional justice, public engagement actions) that have not been adequately studied concerning CCS local acceptance. A questionnaire survey was carried out through an online platform in the seven countries, in January-February 2022; a representative sample of 1775 citizens (approx. 225 / country) was collected. The results of the survey indicated that the factors with a statistically significant effect on local acceptance of CCS infrastructure are country of origin, gender, age, self-perceived knowledge of CCS, attitudes towards negative consequences and potential benefits, trust of stakeholders and institutions, and procedural and distributional justice.