UKCCSRC Knowledge Exchange Conference 2025 – Parallel session 1c – Public Perception/Policy (ECR Meeting Fund)

Saheed Bello (University of Cambridge) shares their takeaways from “Parallel 1c: Public Perception Policy” at the UKCCSRC Knowledge Exchange Conference 2025

The relevance of public acceptance and policy in supporting rapid deployment of CCUS technology remains a critical aspect of the whole CCUS value chain. Three interesting papers related to public acceptance and policy of CCUS were presented by competent experts from internationally reputable UK Universities during the UKCCSRC conference in the concurrent afternoon session of first day of the conference. Dr Ruissein Mahon, from Robert Gordon University, presented her research on how derisking carbon storage projects influence public perception. Another public acceptance research on CCUS was presented by Dr Peipei Chen, from the University of Cambridge, whose research conducted a multi-country survey across Europe to exploring public acceptance of CCUS and green industrial clusters. On the other hand, Dr Jen Roberts, from the University of Strathclyde, took another dimension of existing research protocols through her research presenting on how CCS is growth modelled in climate mitigation pathways. These fascinating research presentations greenify the Conference in supporting CCUS technology innovation research for designing appropriate social license to operate CCUS.

The session began with an insightful presentation by Dr Ruissein, who shared her research on how de-risking carbon storage projects can influence public perception and acceptance. Her work investigates the relationship between perceived project risks—such as environmental, health, and economic concerns—and levels of public support for carbon storage initiatives.

She argued that technical and financial de-risking of projects not only reduces real operational challenges but also enhances transparency and trust among stakeholders. By proactively addressing uncertainties and potential failure points, developers can foster greater community confidence. Dr Ruissein highlighted that clear communication, robust environmental monitoring, and transparent risk management strategies are key tools in gaining and maintaining public approval. Her work offers practical insights into how government and industry can collaborate to build and sustain public trust in CCUS projects.

The second presentation, delivered by Dr Peipei, brought a broader international perspective by exploring public acceptance of CCUS and green industrial clusters across multiple European countries. Drawing on an extensive multi-country survey, Dr Peipei examined public attitudes towards industrial decarbonisation and carbon capture in different cultural and political contexts.

Her research revealed a generally positive disposition toward CCUS, especially when it is positioned within a broader narrative of green industrial transformation and economic renewal. However, she also noted significant variation in acceptance levels depending on national context, perceived local benefits, trust in institutions, and understanding of the technology. Her work emphasizes the need for context-specific engagement strategies that account for regional differences in values, communication channels, and political landscapes. Importantly, Dr Peipei’s research supports the argument that effective public engagement must go beyond awareness campaigns and involve communities in co-designing solutions that align with their aspirations.

Taking a different analytical angle, Dr Jen presented on how CCS growth is modelled in climate mitigation pathways, focusing on how policy, technological readiness, and societal acceptance are represented (or underrepresented) in integrated assessment models (IAMs). Her research critically examined the assumptions underpinning CCS deployment scenarios in global and national climate models, questioning whether these models sufficiently account for real-world barriers such as social license, permitting delays, and infrastructure deployment challenges.

Dr Jen argued that while IAMs are invaluable for scenario planning, they often overlook crucial socio-political dynamics that can make or break CCUS projects in practice. Her presentation called for a more interdisciplinary approach in modelling efforts—one that integrates social science insights into traditionally techno-economic frameworks. This would result in more realistic and implementable pathways for achieving net-zero goals.

Together, these three presentations offered a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape on public acceptance and policy in CCUS. They revealed the interconnectedness between technical feasibility, social legitimacy, and political will, reinforcing the idea that technology alone cannot solve the climate crisis. Successful CCUS deployment depends on inclusive dialogue, transparent governance, and context-sensitive policy interventions.

These contributions were not only intellectually stimulating but also instrumental in “greenifying” the conference—broadening the narrative around CCUS innovation to include the human and institutional elements essential for sustainable deployment. As CCUS continues to gain momentum globally, the research presented in this session provides valuable guidance for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers working to ensure that CCUS projects earn and retain a social license to operate.