The project Sustainable Carbon Capture, Transportation and Storage: Liability and Governance in Light of International and EU Law examines the legal and governance challenges of developing large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems. It analyses how existing international and European legal frameworks regulate the capture, transport and long-term storage of carbon dioxide, and investigates how liability should be allocated in cases of leakage or other environmental harm.
Background
CCS is increasingly recognised as an essential tool for achieving deep decarbonisation and meeting international climate targets. Yet its expansion has been hindered by legal uncertainties concerning cross-border transport, sub-seabed storage and post-closure responsibility. Who bears liability when stored carbon dioxide leaks? How should states coordinate when CO₂ is shipped across maritime borders? What rules govern the long-term stewardship of storage sites after injection ceases?
This project seeks to clarify these questions by analysing how international environmental law, EU law and maritime law interact in governing the different stages of the CCS chain. The overarching aim is to propose a coherent legal framework that supports climate goals while ensuring accountability, environmental protection and long-term governance of storage sites.
Research Themes
1. International and EU legal frameworks – identifying gaps, overlaps and regulatory coherence in existing instruments governing CCS activities.
2. Liability and governance – analysing the allocation of responsibility for risks during capture, transport, injection and long-term storage, including post-closure phases.
3. Sustainability and technological development – examining how legal frameworks can accommodate scientific and technological advances in carbon management while safeguarding marine environments.
Institutional Setting
The project is based at Lund University, Faculty of Law and conducted in collaboration with the University of Gothenburg, School of Business, Economics and Law. It brings together expertise in international law, marine environmental law and EU law to advance a cross-disciplinary understanding of CCS governance.
For the project team, see People.
Funding
This research is funded by the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation (2024–2028).
Project Data
| Full title | Sustainable Carbon Capture, Transportation and Storage: Liability and Governance Aspects in Light of International and EU Law |
| Short title | CCS Liability & Governance |
| Acronym | CCSLaw |
| Duration | 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2028 |
| Departments | Department of Law, Lund University · Department of Law, University of Gothenburg |
| Research area | EU Law · Lund University Centre for Business Law (ACLU) |