Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is the process of capturing waste carbon dioxide (CO2) from large point sources, such as power plants, transporting it to a storage site, and depositing it where it will not enter the atmosphere, normally in underground geological formations, which are, in general terms, deep underground layers of porous rock covered by impermeable rock. The aim is to prevent the release of large quantities of CO2 into the atmosphere.
The storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) in geological formations can prevent and minimize the harmful effects of climate change. Directive 2009/31/EC lays down rules to ensure that this practice is carried out safely.
Directive 2009/31/EC, known as the Directive on carbon capture and storage (CCS), establishes a legal framework that helps in addressing climate change through environmentally safe CO2 storage in geological formations. This Directive is part of the EU 2020 Climate and Energy Package, adopted in April 2009.
Key points of the CCS Directive:
· Permits are required for the use of geological storage sites. Permit applications submitted to the competent authority of the Member State, must include information such as the expected security of the storage site, the amount of CO2 that is going to be released, measures to prevent significant irregularities and the proposed monitoring plan. The Commission can issue a non-binding opinion on the storage plan in order to ensure consistent application of the Directive's requirements across the EU, thereby enhancing public confidence in carbon capture and storage. Once the authorization has been issued, the competent authority shall re-examine it five years after its granting and every ten years thereafter.
· Waste or other materials may not be added to the CO2 storage sites for disposal. The monitoring of CO2 results by the operators of the storage site must be notified to the competent authority once a year. In the meantime, the monitoring plan must be updated by the operator of the storage site every five years and approved by the competent authority. In case of leakage, action must be taken immediately by the operator of the storage site (or the competent authority, if the storage site operator fails to take immediate action) in accordance with the plan of remedial measures approved by the competent authority as part of a storage permit.
· Storage sites will be closed off, if there is a documented application and the conditions that are stated in the permit have not been complied with by the operator of the storage site, or if the competent authority decides to close the site down if the permit is revoked. After closing down, the operator remains responsible for the storage site until the conditions for the transfer of responsibility are met (notably the condition that the CO2 will be stored fully and permanently).
The Republic of Cyprus has been harmonised with Directive 2009/31/EC in accordance with the following laws:
- The Carbon Dioxide Storage in Geological Formations (Amending) Law of 2015 (174(I)/2015)