CLUB CO_2, A FRENCH NETWORK ON CO_2 CAPTURE AND STORAGE

摘要

France has been playing a significant role in European research on CO_2 capture and long-term storage since the very first European project "The underground disposal of carbon dioxide" (Joule Project 1993-1995). For over 10 years, France has been taking part to almost every single European projects (plus some international ones) about CO_2 geological storage, in particular those that have been linked to the first industrial applications (Sleipner and Weyburn). Such a sustained activity from French teams (private and public research institutions, industries) has led to a significant body of experience and knowledge in the field of CO_2 sequestration.rnIn 2001, a prospective R&D strategy on the future of energy policy was carried out by national research organisations which prioritised CO_2 capture and storage technologies as a strong option to both tackle the global change issue and create industrial added values. This strategic prospective work backed up by a dynamic scientific community initiated concerted initiatives to create a national framework on this field. France participation to the IEA GHG program in 2001 and the launch of the CLUB CO_2 in 2002 are important cornerstones to this process.rnBy bringing together industry majors (AIR LIQUIDE, ALSTOM, ARCELOR, EDF, GDF, GEOSTOCK, LAFARGE, TOTAL) and research institutions (ADEME, BRGM, CNRS, IFP), CLUB CO_2 is aiming to federate French initiatives in the area of capture and sequestration of industrial CO_2 emissions. As stated by its Chairman, CLUB CO_2 is "a forum suitable for brainstorming but the main goal remains the promotion of French know-how Europewide and worldwide in the different frameworks established by the various international agreements on carbon management". Adding to these primary objectives, CLUB CO_2 is also expected to be a strong communication vehicle to the community at large.rnThis initiative has already led to some very promising outcomes, such as the foundations for French concerted research actions on CO_2 capture and storage involving private and public sectors. Some details about French current and upcoming projects in this field will be presented in this paper.