Results

D2.2 Gravimetric Survey: Lopín Structure, Onshore - Ebro Basin, Spain

Within the framework of the project “CO2 Geological Pilots in Strategic Territories (pilotSTRATEGY)”, a gravimetric survey was carried out with the aim of improving the knowledge of the Lopín structure (Ebro Basin ‐ onshore). This gravimetric study, allowed filling the existing gaps of information and represents the first step to carry on the development, monitoring and implementation of this potential Pilot Site.

D2.1 - Target area of Paris Basin Region (FR): Data inventory, seismic target and GAP analysis

This report presents the CO2 storage area in France to be fully characterised in PilotSTRATEGY and the target for the 3D seismic survey. This report also includes an inventory of available data in the selected area and a gap analysis.

D2.11 Report on the regional hydrogeology of the three study areas: Paris Basin – France, Lusitanian Basin – Portugal, Ebro Basin – Spain

This deliverable is part of the geo‐characterization work package (WP2) of PilotSTRATEGY and focuses on the regional hydrogeological systems of each of the three regions selected for full characterization of the storage complex, in the Paris Basin (onshore France), the Lusitanian Basin (offshore Portugal) and the Ebro Basin (onshore Spain). The report provides a description of the regional aquifers (permeable units) within each studied onshore sedimentary basin from the target reservoir to the surface. When the targeted reservoir is located offshore, the review uses the onshore hydrogeological system as a proxy for the offshore storage area.

D2.12 Report on geological map investigation for CO2 storage in West Macedonia

This deliverable includes the results of the geological characterisation of the Mesohellenic Trough (MHT) in Western Macedonia, Greece, conducted within the framework of the PilotSTRATEGY project. The suitability of the basin for CO₂ geological storage is assessed by integrating field, laboratory, and geophysical datasets. The objective was to advance the knowledge on the geological model of the MHT and to identify key risks and uncertainties.

The MHT is a late-orogenic molassic basin of the Hellenides, comprising thick Oligocene-Miocene sedimentary series. Alternating sandstones, conglomerates, and marls dominate the successions forming the primary reservoir-seal system and resting unconformably upon Mesozoic ophiolitic and carbonate basement rocks. The main stratigraphic formations, including the Eptachori, Pentalofos, and Tsotyli, were field surveyed (geological mapping) and documented across nine regions lacking sufficient structural data. Gently dipping beds and limited fault activity, characterise the basin providing a stable structural framework suitable for long-term storage.

Petrophysical, geomechanical, and geochemical investigations were undertaken to evaluate the porosimetry and sealing properties of the rocks. Pentalofos and Eptachori sandstones exhibit porosities up to 10.8% and very low permeabilities (<0.01 mD), while marly intercalations; especially in the Tsotyli Formation, demonstrate high sealing capacity. The thick sandstone-marl alternations define multiple reservoir-seal pairs throughout the stratigraphic column. The geochemical investigation confirmed a significant lithological variability from silica-rich to carbonate-rich units. These alternate across the basin, influencing both reactivity under CO₂ exposure and mechanical strength.

Legacy seismic data were re-processed, significantly improving the subsurface imaging by enabling refined mapping of key horizons and fault geometries. The integration of the interdisciplinary analytical data led to a preliminary conceptual geological model, which was developed outlining the spatial relationships between reservoirs, seals, and potential migration pathways.

Risk assessment identified semi-quantitatively the main geological uncertainties. These include: (i) heterogeneity in sealing units, (ii) variability in reservoir quality, (iii) possible migration or leakage pathways, (iv) injection-induced seismicity, (v) ground deformation and brine displacement, and (vi) long-term geochemical alteration. Although the overall geological framework in the MHT appears suitable for CO2 storage, these risks need further assessment by detailed modelling and ongoing monitoring.

In conclusion, the results of this deliverable establish that the MHT could provide favorable CO₂ storage sites and suggest that subsequent modelling, pilot-scale testing, and risk mitigation strategies are needed. Monitoring of gas migration and long-term geochemical interactions should be prioritized in future work to ensure the safety and durability of CO₂ storage operations in Western Macedonia.

D2.13 Report on storage potential of Upper Silesia

This report summarises the work conducted as part of work package 2, task 2.8 (Storage potential of Upper Silesia region) of the PilotSTRATEGY project that contributed to this Deliverable 2.13, Report of storage potential of Upper Silesia.

Within the framework of assessment of the Upper Silesia region actions in the WP2 included an exhaustive analyses and re-interpretation of available data of the Miocene Dębowiec layers which are molasse deposits (Skoczów Deep Saline Aquifer; DSA) overlying the Upper Silesia Coal Basin of Carboniferous age; and the Jurassic Ładzice Fm (Ładzice DSA). An exhaustive review of existing data allowed the development of a conceptual geological model and the construction of a static model.

Previous research regarding the CO2 storage potential in the Miocene Dębowiec Beds found an estimated static CO2 storage capacity about 46.2 Mt. Here an additional area of approximately 115 km2 named “Kęty”, was identified. The additional potential static CO2 storage capacity was estimated at 14.3 Mt CO2. Finally, the total static capacity of the Skoczów DSA is estimated at about 60.5 Mt CO2 using a storage efficiency factor of 2%. For the Jurassic Ładzice DSA of the Czestochowa District, a static calculation was not made as dynamic simulations were performed as part of PilotStrategy WP3. Based on these simulations, the maximum value of flow rate for injection is 1.25 Mt/year in optimal scenario which gives a maximum potential CO2 storage capacity about 31.3 Mt within 25 years and a range of 29 – 33.5 Mt.

The possibilities of developing CCS in Upper Silesia were analyzed through proposed locations for pilot projects covering the two analyzed potential CO2 reservoirs and selected CO2 emitters. The first potential CO₂ storage site – Ładzice Deep Saline Aquifer – is located approximately 27 km from the Rudniki cement plant and about 60 km from the main emitters, including the iron and steel plant. The proposed location of the second selected pilot project in the Miocene Dębowiec Beds, including the injection well and planned 3D seismic survey area, is approximately 800 m from the location of the Kostkowice agricultural biogas plant.

D2.3 Seismic acquisition for Paris Basin plus survey results and interpretation

This deliverable is a detailed report of the 3D seismic acquisition conducted in the Paris Basin – Grandpuits area for the PilotSTRATEGY project and preliminary seismic interpretation.

A full detailed explanation of the workflow and parameters used for seismic acquisition is presented in the current report. Design, permitting, acquisition, quality control and pre‐processing of the campaign were carried out by Smart Seismic Solutions (S³), third party partner of the project, from December 2021 to July 2022. The acquisition itself (layout of the receivers, vibration, collection of the receivers) took place over a period of only 5 weeks from mid‐May until the end of June.

D2.4 Report on Seismic Reprocessing, West Macedonia

The Mesohellenic Basin (MHB) seismic interpretation study, conducted as part of the Horizon 2020-funded PilotSTRATEGY project, aims to enhance the assessment of the CO₂ storage resource in the area. This work aimed to advance these resources toward contingent status based on available legacy seismic data. Situated in Western Macedonia, onshore Northern Greece, the MHB represents a prominent sedimentary basin within the Tethyan orogenic belt, which is characterised by complex tectonic evolution and sedimentary processes.

The report provides an overview of the basin's geological framework, outlining its geodynamic evolution and stratigraphy. The MHB developed as a piggy-back basin, with stratigraphic formations that include potential reservoir units including the Eptachorion and Pentalophos formations. These units are characterised by turbiditic deposits and significant lithological variations due to tectonic and sedimentary dynamics.

D2.5 Report on Local Seismicity for Lusitanian & Ebro Basins, including Earthquake Catalog

This deliverable reports on the assessment and monitoring of local seismicity in the PilotSTRATEGY target areas of Lopin (Spain) and the Lusitanian basin, offshore from Figueira da Foz (Portugal). Pre-injection monitoring is an essential task for any CO₂ injection project, to establish a baseline of natural and any man-made seismicity (such as explosions associated with quarrying). If CO₂ injection were to induce a seismic event, then knowing the natural pattern and intensity of seismic activity would be essential.

D2.6 Petrophysics Report of all Regions

This deliverable reports on the petrophysical data collected for all sites in France, Spain (offshore and onshore), Portugal and Greece. The source of information and sample gathering can be extremely variable: for France and Spain (onshore), well samples were available from the oil exploration period and in the case of Spain onshore, outcrop samples were analysed as well; in Spain offshore and Portugal, well log data were used essentially together with a few samples; in Greece, outcrop samples were used. For each region, a brief geological description is made to describe the formation target and the general context.

D2.7 Conceptual Geological Models

This report summarises the work conducted as part of work package 2, task 2.3 (Conceptual Geological Models) of the PilotSTRATEGY project that contributed to this Deliverable 2.7, Geological Models of the 3 areas. Much of the data collected in WP2.3 is not included here, but has been passed to PilotSTRATEGY work package 3, for the construction of static and dynamic digital reservoir models for the modelling of CO₂ injection and CO₂ behaviour in the storage complex. The 3 areas concerned in this report (Portugal, Spain, France) have worked semi‐independently on this WP, but with most collaboration between the 2 Iberian countries as the areas share some characteristics. All 3 areas use similar types of subsurface data (though of widely varying vintages and quality), and have utilised analytical techniques that are largely derived from the oil and gas exploration and production industry. With one offshore area, 2 onshore ones, and 1 carbonate reservoir and 2 clastic ones, the challenges of the areas vary considerably. Hence, each area is described separately, though similarities in methods will be seen. The report has a relatively short summary of each area, which is intended to be relatively easily read, followed by a more detailed Annex with a full description of data, methods and a summary of the results.

D2.7 Geological Models Annex (Ebro Basin, Spain)

The study area is situated near the southern edge of the Ebro basin, which is located in the northeastern region of the Iberian Peninsula. In particular, the study area lies near the northern boundary of the Aragonese branch of the Iberian Chain. This basin has a triangular shape and serves as the foreland basin for the Pyrenees, Iberian Chain, and Catalan Coastal Ranges located north, south, and east, respectively. The formation of the foreland basin commenced during the Paleocene, induced by flexural subsidence resulting from the development of these three mountain ranges (e.g. Pardo et al., 2004). Towards the central part of the Ebro Basin, the structure corresponds to a gentle syncline (the Ebro syncline, Quirantes, 1978), which was interpreted, based on surface (mapping and structural data) and subsurface (wells and seismic reflection data) data, as a bending fold that accommodated the slight reactivation of WNW-ESE basement faults originated at the beginning of the Mesozoic extension (Arlegui and Simón, 2001).

D2.7 Geological Models Annex (Paris Basin – Grandpuits, France)

This document aims to provide a summary and guidelines to complete the deliverable 2.7 of the PilotSTRATEGY Project.

The deliverable 2.7 corresponds to the Work Package 2 (Geocharacterization) of task 2.3 ‐Conceptual Geological Models‐. It should materialize the sub task 2.3.2 whose objective is “to develop the geological models for the 3 areas of study; Geological model based on facies analysis from available cores and cuttings, field analogues, log analysis, surface data and depositional environments, integrated with seismic stratigraphic and structural interpretations where available”.

D2.7 Geological Models Annex (Portugal)

This document aims to provide additional information to complete the deliverable 2.7, task 2.3 of work package 2 (WP2, Geocharacterization) of the PilotSTRATEGY Project. Detailed description of the regional geological framework, including sedimentological, structural, and stratigraphical characterization is presented in section 3 – Regional Geological Characterization. The characterization of the storage complex is presented in section 4 – Storage Complex Characterization, and a comprehensive facies analysis of the reservoir and the seal in section 5 – Facies analysis. Section 6 includes the analysis of some outcrops, and in section 7 – Depositional Environments and Geological Conceptual Model, as a conclusion, the main deposition environments of the area of interest and some notes on the conceptual geological model, are stated.

D2.8 Report on Geomechanical results for the 3 areas

This deliverable reports on the geomechanical data collected for all sites in France, Spain (offshore and onshore), Portugal and Greece. The source of information and sample gathering can be extremely variable: for France and Spain (onshore), well samples were available from the oil exploration period; in Spain offshore and Portugal, well log data were used essentially together with a few samples; in Greece, outcrop samples were used. For each region, a brief geological description is made to describe the formation target and the general context.

D2.9 Report of geochemical results for 3 areas

While much work has been carried out investigating the possible chemical reactions between reservoir rocks, cap-rocks, formation brines and injected CO2, the nature of PilotSTRATEGY calls for a site-specific approach to assess the reactivity of the rocks present at each of the proposed pilot sites. Batch experiments were carried out by UEDIN and BRGM on samples from Spain and Portugal and from France, respectively. Flow through experiments were carried out by UEDIN on samples from France, Spain, and Portugal, with complementary flow-through experiments carried out by BRGM on samples from the French site.

D3.2 Report on static modelling with uncertainties

This report summarizes the work that has been performed in the WorkPackage 3, “WP3, Static and Dynamic modelling”, task 3.1, “Static modelling and Uncertainties”.

The objective of this task was to build a 3D geological model covering all the targeted area as defined in WorkPackage 2 (“WP2, Geo‐characterization”) for the choice of the pilot location. The domain contains the storage complex zone (reservoir and caprock), and the underburden and overburden to fit the purposes of the related tasks (3.2, 3.3 and 3.4). Static models are a crucial step for the upcoming dynamic modelling to estimate storage capacity and provide the basis for the risk analysis. While pursuing the efforts on this task, regular knowledge‐sharing sessions were committed between partners involved in this WP3.1, and all benefited support from AspenTech on best practices for modelling, in particular for using Aspen Skua software.

This task relied heavily on data that were collected and processed in WP2. Thus, the quality of this work results also from a strong involvement, communication, and data exchange between WP2 and WP3.

D3.3 Report on optimization – Injection strategy and storage capacity

Dynamic simulations have been performed to assess the storage capacity and integrity of the PilotSTRATEGY’s pilot sites, which include the Paris Basin in France, the Lusitanian Basin in Portugal, the Upper Silesia area in Poland, and the Ebro Basin in Spain. The main objective of this study consisted in the definition of the CO₂ injector location and an optimal injection strategy considering the associated potential risks. For this, a sensitivity analyses was performed based on the reservoir characterization and identification of the main uncertainties to be quantified using numerical simulation approach, where static properties presented the most impacting influence on results.

D4.1 Methodology for alternatives definition, prioritisation, and selection

The objective of the WP4 is to provide complete information of the optimum development concept applicable to the proposed pilots of Paris Basin (FR), Lusitanian Basin (PT) and Ebro Basin (ES) to go ahead with the decision of whether this pilot is viable technically, commercially, considering social and environmental demands and in the existing European and local regulatory frame. Although each team worked independently and focus on their area particularities, it is concluded a lot of similarities between then. The most relevant is that was (still) somewhat unclear the main goal of the project: pilot or commercial development. After discussion, all now agree that the main goal is to design a carbon pilot injection storage site, and in the case of Spain and Portugal, to check the possibility of upgrade to commercial scale. Other relevant point is the need to qualitatively define the criteria for the pilot’s success.

D4.10 Socioeconomic impact of CCUS pilot implementation. Methodology and application to Ebro Basin.

The main goal of D4.10 is to evaluate the socioeconomic benefits of CCS deployment in the region of the Ebro Basin in Spain. Departing from the scenarios presented in D4.9 (Canteli et al., 2025) in this document we estimate the value added and employment creation that would arise if the investments proposed do take place.

This report explains the methodology used: the Multi‐Regional Input‐Output (MRIO) analysis that allows us to include both direct and indirect impacts that take place in the so‐called global value chains. Hence, we present results regarding direct and indirect value added and employment creation globally, identifying where (in which countries and sectors) these impacts are expected to be generated.

D4.2 Conceptual scenarios definition to enable decision support

The objective of the WP4 is to provide complete information on the optimum development concept applicable to the proposed pilots. The development concept and its viability decision must be based on strategic information to identify and address existing risks and to commit available resources, maximising the potential for success. This strategic information was identified during a framing session phase conducted previously in the project and summarised in the D4.1 public deliverable “Methodology for alternatives definition, Prioritisation, and Selection,” published in May 2023, for Paris Basin, Lusitanian Basin, and Ebro Basin. In this document in also described the results for West Macedonian and Silesia regions, carried out in October 2023 and September 2023, respectively.

This report shows the different strategies outlined by every region involved in the PilotSTRATEGY projects, before a comprehensive analysis of those strategies and their associated scenarios.

D4.3 Final concept description and preliminary consideration by regions.

The objective of the WP4 is to provide and analyse available information on the optimum development concept applicable to the proposed pilots of the Paris Basin (FR), the Lusitanian Basin (PT), and the Ebro Basin (ES) to go ahead with the decision of whether these pilots are viable technically and commercially, considering social and environmental demands, and in the existing European and local regulatory frame.

As it is described in D4.1 Methodology for alternatives definition, prioritisation, and selection; D4.2 Conceptual scenarios definition to enable decision support, and D4.9 Economic evaluation of alternatives and prioritisation results, each region has defined selected scenarios, reviewed them, and carried out a techno-economic evaluation, selecting the optimum development scenario for each region, i.e., Paris Basin, Lusitania Basin, and Ebro Basin; and, more general approach for Silesia Basin and Macedonia Basin. Those selected developments will be optimized during next months, being the
basis for the final investment decision report.

This deliverable describes from a technical point of view the selected scenario for each region as a
starting point for the next phase of project definition.

D4.4 Injector well and injection facilities design: methodology, definition, and recommendations

This document serves as a high‐level guide for the design process of a CO₂ injector well and its related facilities. In general terms, the knowledge from Oil & Gas industry is applicable to CO₂ injector well but taking in mind the most notable differences: the need to ensure an ideal pressure and temperature to inject the CO₂, the casing material to avoid corrosion, and the HSE processes to monitor the progress of the CO₂ plume. This deliverable facilitates the task 4.2.1 “Different well design alternatives electing a final design based on technical, economic and HSE criteria” and partially comprises the task 4.2.3 “Capture Transport, and storage facilities outline”, including only the storage facilities section.

D4.5 From capture to the injection facilities definition: capture, transport and CO₂ stream quality

The purpose of this report is to define the key technical elements for the development of pilot projects for CO₂ capture, transport, and injection, for the development concept selected -pilot or commercial scale-up. Five European regions are studied – only French, Portuguese and Spanish regions in detail- and this summary focuses on the cross-cutting and methodological aspects of the document.

The document integrates:
• CO₂ source characterization: identification of relevant industrial emitters in the regions.
• Capture technologies: selection of viable technologies based on industry type and gas composition.
• CO₂ stream specifications: definition of acceptable purity, pressure, temperature, and composition.
• Transport options: technical and economic feasibility of road, rail, ship, and pipeline transport.
• Reception and injection facility design: from wells to compression and monitoring systems.
• Cost estimates: CAPEX and OPEX for both pilot and commercial phases.

D4.7 Compiling of environmental impact assessment legal frame and permit requirements for CO₂ geological storage

This report aims to compile the regulatory framework, including all the necessary steps to request the Exploration Permit and perform the field activities, applied for each of the countries in the PilotSTRATEGY project: France, Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Poland.

D4.9 Economic evaluation of alternatives and prioritisation results

Based on this work package previous reports (D4.1 Methodology for alternatives definition, prioritisation, and selection; and D4.2 Conceptual scenarios definition to enable decision support), each region has defined (elements, activities, and schedule) selected scenarios, reviewed them, and carried out a techno-economic evaluation with the goal of comparing region alternatives and selecting the optimum development scenario for Paris Basin, for Lusitania Basin, and for Ebro Basin; and, with lower detail but following the same approach, for Silesia Basin and Macedonia Basin. Those optimum developments will be built and evaluated in detail by each region team during next months, being the basis for the final investment decision report.

Every region developed and evaluated their region scenarios framed by its own objectives, using a fit for purpose approach: while the French team was focused on a pilot (pre-commercial) development, the Portuguese and Spanish teams have considered, in addition, a possible commercial development. Polish and Greek cases show a more general study for the full-life case. Therefore, the different regions development and timeframe are diverse from the very beginning, compiling a cluster of examples for possible applications in the future.

D5.1 Methodological guidelines for risk assessment

This report details the method that will guide the work performed as part of work package (WP) 5 “Safety and performance” of the PilotSTRATEGY project. A robust and shared method for risk management is needed to increase the chance that future CO₂ geological storage pilots can be operated with the highest level of safety and performance.

D5.3 Recommendations for safety and performance analyses of storage pilot in the Ebro Basin

This report summarizes a detailed study on the safety of permanently storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) deep underground in the Lopín site, near the town of Quinto, in the Ebro Basin. CO₂ is a major gas contributing to climate change. The technology being investigated, called Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), involves capturing CO₂ emissions from industry and injecting them into suitable deep rock formations, where they can be safely trapped for thousands of years.

This study is part of the European PilotSTRATEGY project, which is exploring the potential for this
technology in several regions, including the Lopín site in Spain.

D6.1 - Regulatory framework for CCUS in the EU and its Member States: An analysis for the EU, six Member States and the UK

In the present report, the political, legislative and financial support system for CCU, but mainly for CCS activities on the EU‐level along with seven Member States and the UK are being analysed. The countries studied comprise the PilotSTRATEGY countries (Portugal, Spain, France, Poland and Greece) and in addition the Netherlands as a Member State and the UK, both as countries more advanced on developing frameworks for CCS. The report highlights the role of EU legislation in the context of development of CCS projects in the Member States. In addition, it analyses the transposition of EU legislation into national law and provides information on further national legislation or support instruments relevant in the context.

D6.2 - Community Acceptance: Findings from community profiles and first local survey

This deliverable by PilotSTRATEGY WP6 on Social Acceptance and Community Engagement reports work on understanding societal contexts in the regions under study in this Horizon 2020 project.WP6 has so far focussed on characterizing the overall setting in which the discussions around potential geological storage of CO2 take place. In a next step, WP6 will centre on actual engagement and participation with key stakeholders and other members of local communities.

D6.2 - Annex 1: Media Analysis Report

D6.2 - Annex 2: Interview Report

D6.2 - Annex 3: Survey findings

D6.3 Citizen engagement strategy

The main objective of this document is to design a hybrid consultation and research strategy to be implemented in the study regions, with the aim of gathering local public views on CCS technologies and a potential CO2 storage project in the region, and to improve the quality of public engagement with CCS projects. The findings and conclusions from the research will provide valuable insights for future CCS projects, as well as inform the development of future public engagement strategies. The activity serves as a valuable tool for the scientific community, policy makers, and stakeholders in the energy sector, as it sheds light on the critical importance of public engagement and community involvement in the development of CCS technologies.

D6.5 Summary report on public acceptance

The PilotSTRATEGY Deliverable 6.5 report presents the results from the citizen engagement and public perception activities conducted across three European regions—Portugal, Spain, and France— between 2023 and 2025. These activities were designed to evaluate perceptions of geological carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage (CCS) and to identify conditions under which communities might support or oppose its development. The findings provide valuable insights into the social dimensions of CCS, which alongside technical and economic considerations are essential for its successful deployment.

Methodological Approach
The engagement activities combined qualitative and quantitative methods tailored to each study region’s specific context. Portugal employed format experimentation, including workshops and interactive exhibitions around a potential offshore storage site. Spain implemented reconvened focus groups in rural municipalities to enable informed deliberation over time. France adopted an organic approach, leveraging open-door meetings and community partnerships initiated during a seismic campaign to foster ongoing dialogue. Additionally, surveys were conducted across regions to assess public attitudes, familiarity with CCS, and influential factors shaping social acceptance.

Key insights include:
 Social acceptance as conditional contract: Communities tend to express conditional acceptance of CCS projects, often emphasizing the importance of safety, tangible benefits, transparency, and meaningful involvement in decision-making.
 Trust through institutional design: Building trust may require credible mechanisms such as binding agreements, oversight committees, and open communication channels to address concerns rooted in historical experiences of unmet promises.
 Territorial justice concerns: Addressing fairness issues related to the distribution of local burdens and global benefits appears to be a critical aspect for fostering acceptance in affected communities.
 Technical and social feasibility: Alignment between technical viability and community willingness is likely to be an important factor for the successful implementation of CCS projects.
 Methodological diversity: Engagement approaches should aim to adapt to regional contexts and conditions, as standardized protocols may not address local specificities effectively.
 Low initial knowledge as opportunity: Limited familiarity with CCS may provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue before positions become entrenched.
 Sustained engagement fosters evolution: Repeated interactions over time show how meaningful dialogue requires time while all relationships take place in a larger context which may hinder or delay such dialogue.
 Tangible, verifiable, and fair benefits: Communities generally expect benefits from CCS projects to be clear, measurable, and equitably distributed, with mechanisms in place to ensure their delivery.

D6.6 Revised Analysis of Policy Alignment

Due to the relative high degree of innovativeness, the realization of a Carbon Capture and Usage (CCU) or a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project requires a positive strategic, legislative and financial supporting framework from policy. The political strategy to aim for ambitious climate targets is a pre-condition for the application of CCU and CCS technologies in a Member State. Legislation regulates the operation of capture, transport and storage sites. A well-defined framework is highly relevant for operators to know the risks and potential costs related to a project, to know their own responsibilities and responsibilities of others, expectations by the competent authorities and making clear the roles of all participants in the whole project. Furthermore, such a framework is useful to citizens who wish to assess the regulatory steps and timelines and understand their own opportunities for input. As well, such a framework helps the authorities to take adequate decisions in granting procedures in decent time. Financial support is needed as long as the current CO₂ price itself is not sufficient to make the application of CCU or CCS technologies economically viable. Although it is to be expected that costs for CCU and CCS activities will fall over time when it moves from being a very innovative first-of-a-kind application to a more mainstream technology, in particular the first-of-a-kind applications require specific support to cover for high costs under high risks. At the same time, a strong CO2 price in the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) (in February 2022 prices reached levels as high as 90€/t CO2, more recently prices in 2025 vary between 60 and 85 €/t CO2 with a slight upward trend) along with the expectation that CO2 prices will remain
high in the future, and a clear signal that there will be a market for low-CO2-products present strong financial incentives to invest into CCU and CCS projects.

In the present report, the political, legislative and financial support system for CCU, but mainly for CCS activities on the EU-level along with seven Member States and the UK are analysed, with attention to updates that may have taken place since the first edition of this deliverable was issued in 2022. The countries studied comprise the PilotSTRATEGY countries (Portugal, Spain, France, Poland and Greece) and in addition the Netherlands as a Member State and the UK, both as countries more advanced on developing frameworks for CCS. The report highlights the role of EU legislation in the context of development of CCS projects in the Member States. In addition, it analyses the transposition of EU legislation into national law and provides information on further national legislation or support instruments relevant in the context. It shows that while countries such as the UK and the Netherlands have put a strong political focus on the development of CCS clusters, other Member States so far can mainly refer to what has been developed on the EU level, making it clear that developing own CCS or CCU projects within the country require significant additional efforts on the legislative framework. Clear political signals along with additional national support instruments can help the development of project initiatives.

D7.3 Project branding, website design & social media account

The PilotSTRATEGY branding, website and social media accounts are essential communication tools, which define the project image and provide a hub for all project details, activities and results, and more information about geological CO2 storage sites in industrial regions of Southern and Eastern Europe for the purpose of large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) development.

This document outlines the processes that were followed from establishing the branding & website brief through to developing the project website.

D7.4 Project poster and briefing leaflet

A project poster (PDF) and a project briefing (two-page summary in PDF format) have been prepared and will be translated in the 5 languages of the regions in focus, for partners to use in conferences and regional workshops to explain and raise awareness of the project. Deliverable D7.4 includes a copy of the branded documents.

A high-definition version of the poster and the leaflet have been sent to all partners and have been made available to the public via the project’s website

D7.9 Data Management Plan

The objective of the Data Management Plan (DMP) is to identify the data used and generated in the project and to outline how this data will be made findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, in accordance with the principles of FAIR data management. This document adheres to the European Commission’s guidelines on FAIR data management in Horizon 2020 (version 3.0, 26th July 2016) and provides information about the collected data, including its purpose, utility, accessibility, and reusability. 

This is an updated version of the project’s DMP and includes the selection of a repository for long-term data storage, and a summary of datasets. The DMP is being continuously reviewed, updated, and completed throughout the project, with the final version constituting the project’s Final DMP (deliverable D7.10).