The Evolution of Stakeholder Perceptions of Deploying CCS Technologies in China: Survey Results from Three Stakeholder Consultations in 2006, 2009 and 2012

We examine the evolution of Chinese stakeholder views on CCS over the past six years. The first major survey conducted in 2006 sought to understand views on deploying CCS technologies in China. In 2009, a second survey had the primary goal of understanding stakeholder perceptions of technology choice and financing issues for the first large-scale CCS demonstration projects in China. The latest consultation in 2012, building on previous surveys, investigates stakeholder perceptions as well as behavioural issues affecting preferences. In total, over 350 stakeholders were consulted from 2006 to 2012. Climate change is found to have risen dramatically as a priority for all stakeholders. The potential of CCS is more widely acknowledged, but more so by industry and less among government officials. Knowledge of CCS has also increased substantially. Post-combustion technologies are increasingly viewed as the preferred capture technology and some form of utilization, increasingly enhanced oil recovery, is preferred for CO2 storage. Aside for concern over CO2 storage risk, which remained high, attention moved from a focus on third party exposure (e.g. health and safety risks) to direct risks (e.g. the cost of CO2 capture). The expectation of international financial support for demonstrating CCS in China had shifted over time and has gradually diminished.