Doody, B.J.; Coyle, F.J.; Becker, J.S. 2012 What should we do about CO2? : Initial public perceptions of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in New Zealand. Lower Hutt, N.Z.: GNS Science. GNS Science report 2012/27 79 p.
Abstract: Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage (CCS) involves the process of separation of CO2 from industrial and energy-related sources, transport to a storage location, and long-term storage in deep onshore or offshore geological formations. The role that CCS will play in New Zealand is unclear given the country’s unique emissions profile and the presence of very few large CO2 point sources. CCS could be deployed under three scenarios: 1) new discoveries are made of natural gas that requires CO2 stripping before use, 2) new hydrocarbon or lignite resources are developed with CCS, or 3) if new non-energy CO2 emitting industries such as concrete, steel and paper are created in the interest of economic development. In a country renowned for its ‘clean green image’ it is difficult to anticipate how CCS and the potential reasons for its deployment will be received by the public. We ran seven focus groups in Wellington, New Zealand, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of potential public reactions to CCS. To a lesser extent we were also interested in how CCS-related developments may be undertaken in a manner which takes public reactions into consideration. To achieve these aims we identified five associated objectives: 1. To obtain an appreciation of people’s views about issues affecting people’s quality of life in their community and in New Zealand; 2. To obtain an appreciation of people’s interest in, views, and concerns, about the environment; 3. To obtain an appreciation of people’s views, and concerns, about climate change; 4. To examine people’s knowledge about and understanding of New Zealand’s energy environment; 5. To gain an insight into people’s understanding of and views on carbon capture and storage (CCS). Prior to involvement in the research very few participants had heard of CCS. The main benefits identified by participants were that CCS could: allow the continued use of fossil fuels, help reduce emissions without people having to dramatically change their lifestyles and foster new economic opportunities for New Zealand. People’s concerns centred on the risks surrounding a CO2 leak, the uncertainties associated with new technologies, long term viability issues and potential impacts such as the increased use of coal and the development of new mines and industry. Overall, most were not opposed to CCS but were unsure if it was necessary, domestically, given the abundance of renewable resources available and New Zealand’s unique emissions profile. (auth)
