Communicating CC(U)S and UGS technologies: The case of deliberative group interviews in North-Western Poland

Abstract

The paper presents the results of deliberative group interviews with the representatives of local communities in West Pomeranian Province (Poland) on the opportunities and challenges related to the theoretical location of combined CO2 and natural gas underground storage (CC(U)S and UGS) in their immediate vicinity. The research has been conducted within AGaStor Project that focuses on innovative usage of captured CO2 as a cushion for stored natural gas. Therefore, there are two possible benefits: active limitation of CO2 emissions (Poland is and will be dependent on conventional energy sources) and reduction of gas storage costs (by using waste CO2 as so-called cushion gas). However, previous experiences in these types of projects show the key role of local public opinion in the final shape of the investment.CC(U)S projects are usually located in less developed, less populated areas, with smaller, more rural local communities facing serious socio-economic challenges. This is the case presented in this paper. In such communities, socially expressed uncertainty and dissent are mechanisms of emancipation and articulating community's subjectivity, and a strategy for articulating fears of distrust and inadequacy of empowerment. The presented results of the research lead to four significant mechanisms of building trust for CC(U)S and UGS in West Pomeranian Province communities: a) communicating safety, b) communicating the lack of nuisances, c) communicating the benefits and d) transparent and competent knowledge transfer.