CO2 Capture and Storage, a viable and flexible technology vital for completing the climate change mitigation portfolio – The perspective from the CO2GeoNet European Network of Excellence on CO2 geological storage

CO2GeoNet, the European Network of Excellence on CO2 geological storage, was created in 2004 as an EU PF6 project and became an association in 2008. The Association strives to enable efficient and safe CO2 storage in deep geological formations to combat climate change and ocean acidification. With a current membership of 26 research institutes spanning 19 European countries, activities include research, scientific advice, training, information & communication. CO2GeoNet, as a pan-European scientific body, has a valuable and independent role to play in enabling the deployment of the CO2 capture and storage (CCS) technology, when and where it is needed in Europe and in other parts of the World. CO2GeoNet is highly active on the international scene, through a cooperation agreement with IEAGHG and the Global CCS Institute, as a CSLF recognized network and a Liaison organization in the ISO CCS Technical Committee, and as a UNFCCC accredited Research NGO (RINGO). The COP21 Climate Conference in Paris in December 2015 was an important milestone and CO2GeoNet was deeply involved, both before and after this conference, in bringing the science behind CO2 storage and the rationale for CCS to a wide range of stakeholders including the general public. The main outcomes of these events will be presented, focusing on key messages.