World Bank CCS Program Activities in Botswana – Results and Lessons Learned

Abstract

The World Bank Carbon Capture and Storage Trust Fund (CCS TF) was established in 2009 to support CO2 capture and storage (CCS) capacity and knowledge building in developing countries11The WB CCS TF donors include the governments of the United Kingdom and Norway, and the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute. CCS TF Phase 1 support for CCS in Botswana included an allocation of USD 1.4 million and had the objective of supporting the Government of Botswana in the following areas:1.Identifying potential geological reservoirs that can be utilized to store CO2 captured from coal-fired power plants;2.Evaluating institutional and regulatory arrangements for CCS deployment in the country and recommendations for reinforcing institutional capacity; and3.Providing training, education and capacity building at all stages throughout implementation, including a Study Tour for key individuals.For all three studies, the WB selected Environmental Resources Management Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd (ERM) as the lead consultant, in association with Wellfield Geosciences (Botswana) and Carbon Counts Company (UK) Ltd.The completed geological assessment found that there may be technical potential for geological storage of CO2 in Botswana's geological formations within the Kalahari Karoo Basin, including three areas of interest -- the Passarge Basin, the Lephephe Graben and the Mmashoro Low. There is, however, a general lack of CO2 storage-relevant geological data that needs to be developed, if a more accurate assessment of CO2 storage potential is to be undertaken. The Passarge Basin was seen to be worthiest of additional investigation, which could be done through the re-examination of existing data or through new geological exploration. The Mashoro Low and Lephephe Graben are in close proximity to the centres of current coal-bed methane (CBM) exploration, suggesting that the integration of CBM exploitation and CO2 storage processes could be considered.The regulatory and institutional assessment reviewed how CO2 storage could be implemented under the existing legislation and regulation, and identified the gaps, not covered within the existing framework. The assessment found that existing regulatory acts provide certain coverage for most of key elements of the CO2 storage life-cycle, including: storage site prospecting; storage site development licensing/permitting; regulatory oversight; and, provisions for mid- to long-term liability where a holder of the waste management license incurs a 30-year liability period. However, some clarification is needed to ensure this is the case. Also, the establishment dedicated government body, mandated to lead the development of CCS would benefit the ongoing CCS program in Botswana.If the Government of Botswana intends to pursue the development of the institutional and technical capacity for development and deployment of CCS technology in Botswana, the following activities should be considered:•Building CCS awareness and strengthening coordination across government and industry;•Establishment of a CCS technical implementation plan, including the preparation of a CCS roadmap; and•Carrying out additional analysis of existing geological data relating to one or more of the formations identified.Based on the experience gained from the execution of this study, the next phase of CCS development in Botswana, as well as similar activities elsewhere would benefit from:•Increased government and stakeholder involvement in all stages of the study;•A formally mandated government partner to support the undertaking of the study and to implement and take forward the findings; and•External technical input/review from experts with experience in the development and execution of CO2 storage projects. This could take the form of a project specific technical advisory panel or a technical panel we a broader mandate across all the CCS TF's activities.