Towards a strategy for implementing CO₂ capture and storage in Canada

The possibility of using CO₂ capture and storage (CCS) technologies to achieve deep reductions in emissions from electric power generation has recently become salient in Canadian climate policy. I argue for a cautious approach. While there are good reasons to expect that CCS will eventually enable deep reductions in CO₂ emissions both in the electric sector and elsewhere in the economy, it is—with one exception—unwise to aim for substantial adoption of CCS in the Kyoto commitment period (2008–2012). Government action to force implementation would be unwise, because rapid implementation of CCS would drive up costs and because important issues surrounding the risks, regulation, and public perception of CCS are unresolved.