Public perception and social acceptance of carbon capture technologies in the oil and gas industry: An empirical review

Abstract

Knowledge on how the Nigerian public and various stakeholders view carbon capture, utilization and storage is limited. Engineering reviews have shown that using amine solvents for absorption is the leading candidate in terms of maturity and use. However, this paper examines the views of the general public, local communities, consumers, experts and other stakeholders on carbon capture, utilization and storage. One hundred empirical studies were reviewed over the last four years. The empirical studies examined perceptions towards carbon capture, utilisation and/or storage. The studies were grouped under thematic headings. The findings indicated that: Awareness of carbon capture among the general public in nearly all countries is poor; Opinion regarding carbon capture is generally unstable and easily influenced by the manner in which information is disseminated; Perceived risk and perceived benefit are stronger influences on acceptance than any other factors; Generalized support for carbon capture often converts to opposition once a specific project is proposed near individuals' residences; Procedural fairness, the extent of prior involvement by local stakeholders and the provision of tangible local economic benefits are significant predictors
of whether projects achieve long-term viability; Carbon utilisation is viewed more favorably than carbon storage; Nature-based methods of removing CO2 from the atmosphere are preferred to engineering based solutions; The willingness of consumers to pay for carbon capture is lower compared to renewable energy. The study also noted that most of the studies reviewed originated from Europe, North America and China while none were exclusively focused on surveys of public opinion from Nigeria. Therefore, recommendations for early and transparent community engagement, reliance on credible sources of information and equitable
distribution of benefits associated with carbon capture projects in Nigeria's oil and gas sector are made. An additional recommendation is for further research to be conducted in Nigeria and in other African countries.