1. National Engineering Laboratory for Reducing Emissions from Coal Combustion, Engineering Research Center of Environmental Thermal Technology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Carbon Reduction and Resource Utilization, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China 2. The Administrative Center for China’s Agenda 21, Beijing 100038, China 3. Center for Sustainable Development and Energy Policy Research, School of Energy and Mining Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China 4. The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is estimated to contribute substantial CO2 emission reduction to carbon neutrality in China. There is yet a large gap between such enormous demand and the current capacity, and thus a sound enabling environment with sufficient policy support is imperative for CCUS development. This study reviewed 59 CCUS-related policy documents issued by the Chinese government as of July 2022, and found that a supporting policy framework for CCUS is taking embryonic form in China. More than ten departments of the central government have involved CCUS in their policies, of which the State Council, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), and the Ministry of Ecological Environment (MEE) have given the greatest attention with different focuses. Specific policy terms are further analyzed following the method of content analysis and categorized into supply-, environment- and demand-type policies. The results indicate that supply-type policies are unbalanced in policy objectives, as policy terms on technology research and demonstration greatly outnumber those on other objectives, and the attention to weak links and industrial sectors is far from sufficient. Environment-type policies, especially legislations, standards, and incentives, are inadequate in pertinence and operability. Demand-type policies are absent in the current policy system but is essential to drive the demand for the CCUS technology in domestic and foreign markets. To meet the reduction demand of China’s carbon neutral goal, policies need to be tailored according to needs of each specific technology and implemented in an orderly manner with well-balanced use on multiple objectives.
Orderly promote construction of large-scale, full-process demonstration projects for carbon dioxide capture, utilization and storage
Platform construction and talent cultivation
To establish CCUS related institution or organization, cultivate or introduce talent people, and construct relevant disciplines
Establish CCUS entrepreneurial technology innovation strategic alliance, CCUS special committee, and other specialized institutions
Potential and risk evaluation
To conduct survey or evaluation of storage potential, environmental risk, etc.
...conduct nationwide survey and evaluation of the geological CO2 storage potential...; Organize the establishment of lists and project library of key CCUS demonstration projects...
Technology corporation
To promote international cooperation
...promote scientific research cooperation and technological exchanges in renewable energy, energy storage, hydrogen energy, and carbon dioxide capture, utilization and storage...
Environment
Legislation and standard
To establish and improve relevant law and standard system
Construct monitoring, verification and measurement systems for geological storage, and establish safety and environmental evaluation standards...
Financial incentive
To offer subsidies or establish incentive policies for CCUS projects
Investigate and explore guidance and incentive mechanism that help promote CCUS experiment and demonstration, and implement the current tax support policies
Development strategy and route plan
To formulate strategy or pathway for future development
Explore low-cost carbon dioxide capture, resource conversion and utilization, storage and other initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide
Commercial model
To explore or establish commercial model for CCUS application and promotion
Establish coordination and cooperation mechanisms among different industries, and strengthen the matching and connection between carbon dioxide capture sites (suppliers) and storage sites (demanders)
Public cognition
To promote public understanding of the CCUS technology
Attach importance to popularization and dissemination of environmental knowledge related to carbon capture, utilization and storage
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