Peer Review of US RCSP Phase III Projects

Publication Overview

The 2017 international independent expert review of the RCSP had the following aims:

1. To follow up progress in addressing the recommendations of the third review in 2013, both in terms of the overall RCSP and individual regional partnerships and their Phase III projects;
2. To assess the progress on the individual Phase III projects (7) and consider whether the proposed technical work program for each project has achieved its goals and those of the overall RCSP. Each project was expected to respond to the recommendations made in the previous review in 2013 and whether any subsequent modifications to project plans had achieved their desired effect;
3. To assess results and key findings from the Phase III tests across the RCSP;
4. To assess the overall technical program of the RCSP, address the synergies between the 7 Phase III projects and how they complement each other and how collectively they can provide a technical basis for future commercial scale projects in the USA;
5. To assess how the RCSP compares, complements and contrasts with similar projects underway worldwide and how the information from these projects can help build an international knowledge base on CO₂ capture and storage.

Publication Summary

All of the projects reviewed have provided, and continue to generate, significant developments in CO₂ storage. The review panel also made a series of general recommendations that could be applied to all the projects. 

From an international perspective there was unanimous agreement that the RCSP Initiative is a world leading initiative that is generating valuable results and experience. The scientific and technical advances, as well as public outreach activities, should be communicated to a wider audience via dedicated publications, journal publications, conferences and existing bilateral agreements.