Stakeholder assessments of Carbon Capture and Storage in the UK

Abstract

This thesis describes the development of methods and approaches aimed at bringing together diverse knowledge and stakeholder values as part of a broader Integrated Assessment (IA) process applied to the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) family of technologies. IA brings together knowledge from a variety of disciplines and stakeholders to provide policy-relevant insights in complex and uncertain contexts. CCS is a climate change mitigation approach which removes carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion processes for long term geological storage. The research is described in seven published journal papers with the common aim of supporting a fuller understanding of the implications of and potential for CCS in the UK. The papers describe adaptations of established methods (Delphi, ethical matrix, MCA, scenarios, roadmapping), modified in order to accommodate the complexity associated with an integrated approach and accommodating different perspectives and values. The author's research contributes to practice, in terms of the development of methods consistent with Integrated Assessment principles, and to the assessment of CCS, providing constructive insights to support how its deployment is approached. Beginning with a reflection on the quality and practice of the IA approach, the research tracks the debate on CCS - from one of the very first assessments as the technology was emerging on the UK policy agenda through to more in-depth assessments as it became embedded in the mainstream policy debate. Each publication builds on the results and methods of previous publications to construct a robust narrative around the viability, desirability and effectiveness of CCS. The value of this body of research lies in its contribution to the 'bigger picture' of the prospects for CCS in the UK.

Date of Award	1 Aug 2014
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Ian Miles (Supervisor)