The International Law of Energy of Offshore Carbon Capture and Storage: The Rotterdam Nucleus Project case study

Abstract

Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 infers that the total CO2 emissions would need to fall by around 45% from 2010 levels by 2030. The general sustainable development scenario suggests that change in energy demand will uphold an extensive usage of renewable energy and clean energy technologies. This paper focuses on the Rotterdam Nucleus Project and how it can contribute to large-scale CO2 transportation from the Port of Rotterdam to CO2 storage with capacity within 20 km of the Dutch coast. The Project is a model for establishing a European CCS infrastructure in the North Sea, targeting a gateway transferring CO2 from source to sink. It envisions taking part in the subsequent EU CO2 Project of Common Interest (PCI), facilitating financial support from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). In the first section, this paper analyses the ad hoc approach governing the implementation of the Rotterdam Nucleus, including the relevant regulatory framework at both national and local levels and its investment arrangements alongside the EU Commission. The following section stresses the Project's foundational approach and how inter-national law assists the global governance of offshore CCS transportation.