Engaging Citizens in Climate Change Transitions: Insights from Two European CO2 Storage Projects at Different Stages of Technological Maturity

As the urgency of addressing climate change intensifies, sustainability transitions have become a central topic in global discussions. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies are increasingly promoted as important components in decarbonization efforts. However, public engagement with these emerging technologies poses significant challenges, particularly given their controversial nature, scale, timelines, and the inherent uncertainties that often accompany their development.

This presentation examines the methodological strategies used to engage citizens in discussions around CO₂ storage technologies, drawing on two European Union-funded projects: CO₂ Geological Pilots in Strategic Territories – PilotSTRATEGY, which focuses on mature geological carbon storage with site-specific proposals, and CEEGS - Novel CO₂-based electrothermal energy and geological storage system still in its early stages.

These projects present distinct engagement challenges due to their differing levels of technological readiness, perceived risks, and social impact. We will explore the strategies used to define target populations, and the tailored engagement approaches. The presentation will also reflect on how these strategies influenced the outcomes of the citizen engagement.

By addressing these questions, this presentation aims to provide insights into the challenges of integrating citizens perspectives into the socio-technical dynamics of research on climate change and energy transitions. It will highlight both the opportunities and limitations of public engagement in the context of large-scale climate infrastructure projects, offering lessons for future initiatives.