Securing the Underground - Managing the Risks of Carbon Storage through Effective Policy Design

This study examines the environmental and technological risks of geological storage of carbon dioxide, focusing on offshore sites. Reducing emissions remains the top priority to address the climate crisis, but carbon storage is increasingly seen as necessary to offset remaining greenhouse gas emissions and achieve negative emissions. The report highlights challenges such as operational risks, environmental impacts, regulatory inconsistencies and public acceptance. Recommendations include improving governance through harmonised standards, independent monitoring, comprehensive land-use planning and stronger financial liability frameworks. These measures aim to ensure the safe and sustainable deployment of carbon storage technologies in line with decarbonisation goals.