The report is entitled “How to efficiently implement CCS in Poland? Political and Legal Frameworks” and produces a to-do list of key steps which have yet to be taken in coal-intensive Poland.

The report, written by Agata Hinc, stresses the importance of CCS for Poland in its attempt to reach greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets set under the EU energy and climate package.

“Without the CCS technology, Poland will not be able to fulfil its obligations (…). Poland’s heavy dependence on coal will require using clean coal technologies, given that the inevitable transformation of the economy towards a low-emission model will not happen at once”, reads the report.

The report calls for “firm political decisions” in order to create a much-needed legal framework through which to implement CCS. At present, CCS legislation such as Directive 2009/31/EC on geological storage of CO₂ has not been transposed into national law, nor for that matter adapted to the needs of Poland in terms of capture and transport regulations.

The report also highlights the need for an impact assessment of CCS technology application, CO₂ storage site mapping and infrastructure planning, investment in research and development. Moreover, the report stresses the need for an efficient and effective public outreach programme, in which dialogue with all CCS stakeholders must take place.

Access the full report here and access Bellona’s summary report from 2009 on the status of CCS in Poland here.