Verra has released updated versions (v4.1) of the Geologic Carbon Storage (GCS) Requirements (PDF) and the GCS Non-Permanence Risk Tool (NPRT) (PDF). The updates, which constitute minor revisions, streamline and clarify the requirements for Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) projects that implement GCS or carbon capture and storage (CCS) activities.
The new versions include the following changes, among others:
- Revised requirements for demonstration of project ownership in different jurisdictions (GCS Requirements)
- Streamlined requirements for monitoring and closure of injection sites to improve verifiability during project implementation (GCS Requirements)
- Revision of some risk scoring requirements related to the regulatory framework risk and design risk (GCS NPRT)
Verra consulted on the updates to these documents as part of the initial public consultation on version 5 of the VCS Program, which ran from September through November 2024. Verra received sufficient input to move forward with this component of updates to the VCS Program now, with further updates to follow upon the release of VCS Version 5.
Implications for Carbon Capture and Storage Projects
Effective immediately, all projects using VCS Methodology VM0049 Carbon Capture and Storage, v1.0 and its associated modules and tools must meet the requirements in the updated GCS Requirements and GCS NPRT.
In October 2024, Verra released its first set of modules for use with VM0049. These enable CCS projects to implement technologies for direct air capture, CO2 transport, and CO2 storage in aquifers and reservoirs. Additional modules and tools are under development.
The updates in this release will soon be incorporated into the digitalized version of the GCS NPRT, which was recently added to the Verra Project Hub.