Designing Brazilian institutional framework for Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS) activities: the role of competent authority

Abstract

It is understood that the Paris Agreement is a milestone for studying and analyzing the behavior of countries and, consequently, of the institutions and agents involved in the objective of reducing carbon dioxide emission levels. Measures are mentioned to assist in climate mitigation, which stands out in this article, carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS). The present work aims to address the theme pertinent to defining Brazil's CCUS activities' institutional competencies. The methodology is analytical and qualitative. The research pointed out at least three possible paths to design the CCUS institutional framework in Brazil, from the possible amendment to the Constitution to the mere infra-legal regulation. The most suitable path, considering the lowest cost, was the use of pre-existing frameworks and a legal enhancement, empowering public agents so that they can be endowed with regulatory and political power to encourage desired behaviors.