Consultation: Carbon Capture and Storage Tools and Modules  

Verra has opened a public consultation on draft versions of tools and modules that are intended for use under the Methodology Framework for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program. These modules and tools (Batch 2, methodology development ID #M0286) expand the types of eligible carbon capture activities, differentiate carbon dioxide removals from emission reductions in projects with both types of mitigation impacts, and allow emissions accounting in collaborative CCS hubs where VCS projects include only a portion of the captured carbon. The consultation will run from March 1, 2024, through April 15, 2024.

CCS hubs are systems shared by several emitters that use the same CO₂ transportation, storage, or utilization infrastructure. Verra sees CCS hubs as an important mechanism for scaling the climate impact of CCS by improving their cost-effectiveness and development times. Once finalized, the framework, along with related modules and tools, will be the first global methodology that allows and encourages collaborative CCS hubs and shared infrastructure for the efficient and scalable deployment of multiple CCS technologies. This consultation also adds bioenergy capture, allowing more crediting pathways for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a critical component to addressing residual emissions in a net-zero future.

The methodology framework for CCS activities lays the foundation for a diverse set of capture, transport, and storage technologies and CCS project designs that will deliver real, additional, and high-integrity emission reductions and removals (ERRs) globally. The Methodology Framework for Carbon Capture and Storage has been developed by the CCS+ Initiative (external). The first set of framework documents is currently under validation/verification body (VVB) assessment.

This public consultation covers the following documents:

• Module for CO₂ Capture from Bioenergy Combustion: This module is for projects capturing CO₂ from bioenergy facilities that produce heat and power.
• Module for CO₂ Storage in Saline Aquifers and Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs: This module is for projects that store CO₂ in saline aquifers or depleted oil and gas fields.
• Tool for Accounting Non-VCS CO₂ in CCS Projects: This tool supports the development of shared transport infrastructure, capture facilities, or storage reservoirs with CO₂ streams that are not registered for VCS crediting in CCS hubs that are not registered for VCS crediting.
• Tool for Differentiating Reductions and Removals in CCS Projects: This tool enables the distinction of Verified Carbon Units based on emission reductions and those based on carbon dioxide removals.

To provide feedback on the draft versions of the CCS tools and modules, please complete the comment template (xlsx) by April 15, 2024.