Regulatory Landscapes for CCUS Technologies 

Discover more about the global, European and national regulatory landscapes that support or hinder the adoption of CCUS technologies. 

 

Regulatory landscapes for CCUS technologies significantly influence the adoption of these essential solutions for achieving global climate goals. Discover the key initiatives and regulatory challenges in this field.

Global Regulatory Framework 

At the global level, there is growing recognition of the importance of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies in achieving climate goals. Key aspects of the global regulatory landscape include: 
Paris Agreement: The agreement implicitly supports CCUS as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve national climate targets. 

London Protocol: An amendment to this protocol allows for the cross-border transport of CO2 for geological storage. However, Romania has yet to ratify this amendment.  

Global CCS Institute: While not a regulatory body, this organization provides valuable insights and support for developing CCUS regulations worldwide. 

 

European Union Regulatory Framework

The EU has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for CCUS, which includes: 
CCS Directive (Directive 2009/31/EC): This directive establishes a legal framework for the environmentally safe geological storage of CO2. It covers all CO2 storage in geological formations in the EU and the entire lifecycle of storage sites.  

EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS): The ETS includes CCUS, considering emissions captured, transported, and stored according to the CCS Directive as not emitted.

EU Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA): This regulation designates CCUS as a strategic net-zero technology and sets targets for CO2 injection capacity.  

Innovation Fund: This fund provides financial support for innovative low-carbon technologies, including CCUS projects.  

Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E): This framework supports the development of cross-border CO2 transport infrastructure. 

 

Romanian National Regulatory Framework 

Romania's regulatory landscape for CCUS is still developing, with several key elements in place: 
Emergency Government Ordinance 64/2011: This ordinance transposes the EU CCS Directive into Romanian law, establishing the legal groundwork for CO2 storage activities.

National Agency for Mineral Resources (NAMR): NAMR is the competent authority for CO2 storage in Romania.

National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE): ANRE is responsible for regulating CO2 transport through pipelines.  

Draft Updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) 2021-2030: This plan acknowledges the role of CCUS in reaching climate neutrality and sets an aspirational target for capturing at least 50% of emissions from the mineral industry by 2050.  

National Forest Strategy 2030: While not directly related to CCUS, this strategy aims to increase carbon sequestration through afforestation and improved forest management. 

Challenges and Opportunities in the Romanian Regulatory Landscape 

• The CO2 storage permitting process in Romania is currently inefficient, with responsibilities scattered across multiple entities. There is a need to develop inter-ministerial working groups to streamline this process.  

• While the basic legal framework is in place, Romania lacks detailed regulations for CCUS activities, particularly for CO2 transportation.  

• Current legislation creates obstacles for oil companies wishing to repurpose existing infrastructure for CCUS activities within active oil and gas concessions.  

• Romania has an obligation to ensure the storage of approximately 9 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of CO2 under the EU NZIA, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for regulatory development.  

• There is a need for clear regulatory frameworks to support financial incentives for CCUS projects, potentially leveraging EU funding mechanisms. 

 

Future Regulatory Developments 

To support the adoption of CCUS technologies, Romania should consider: 

• Developing comprehensive CCUS-specific regulations, particularly for CO2 transport and storage.  

• Streamlining the permitting process for CCUS projects.

• Addressing legislative barriers for repurposing existing oil and gas infrastructure for CCUS activities.  

• Establishing clear financial incentives and support mechanisms for CCUS projects.  

• Aligning national regulations with EU directives and international best practices.  

• Developing public awareness and engagement strategies to build support for CCUS projects. 

 

By addressing these regulatory challenges and opportunities, Romania can create a more favorable environment for CCUS adoption, contributing to its climate goals and positioning itself as a leader in this critical technology within the European Union.