The perspectives and barriers for the implementation of CCS in Poland

Over 90% of Polish energy comes from burning fossil fuels, i.e., hard coal and lignite, responsible for high greenhouse gas (including CO2) emissions. The need to adapt to international agreements, expected increase of CO2 emissions, limited technological capabilities to reduce emissions, the energy intensity of industry and geological conditions allowing underground storage make carbon capture and storage (CCS) a viable option to reduce CO2 emissions. The implementation of CCS on a commercial scale depends on many factors, including the development of capture technology, transport options, and the geological structure. Its applicability is highly dependent on the regulations and economic, energy, and environmental policy. At the current stage of work, the biggest problems in the implementation of CCS include legal regulations, social acceptance, and cost reduction. The numerous political and economic benefits may balance the costs of CCS technology implementation. The captured CO2 can be used in the exploitation of oil fields and in large-scale industrial processes. The implementation of CCS can contribute to the introduction of high-efficient technologies and modernization of the national energy sector. The development of CCS can help to create new jobs, stimulate the development of the Polish economy and contribute to the development of research in this field. (c) 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd