This study analyses how citizens, local communities, industry, civil society, and public authorities in Romania understand and evaluate carbon management technologies, in particular carbon capture and storage (CCS), considered among the relevant solutions for reducing emissions in hard-to-abate industrial sectors.
The analysis is based on a national survey, focus groups, and interviews with relevant stakeholders. These methods provide an integrated picture of public awareness. They also show how citizens perceive the risks and benefits, and under what conditions these technologies could gain social acceptance.
Author’s Insights:
“The level of public awareness regarding CCS remains low, but when citizens receive clear and accessible explanations, they tend to show openness to these technologies. Acceptance depends not only on understanding the technology, but also on trust in institutions and the transparency of decision-making. Even technically sound CCS projects may face resistance if communication is insufficient or perceived as lacking credibility.
The study also indicates that the feasibility and social acceptance of CCS are closely linked to clearly defined institutional roles, effective coordination between national and local authorities, and adequate administrative capacity. Citizens and local stakeholders primarily assess CCS in terms of tangible economic impacts such as jobs, industrial competitiveness, and regional development – while concerns focus on cost distribution, possible energy price increases, and the ability of institutions to manage projects transparently. Overall, Romania appears to be at an early but favourable stage, where perceptions of CCS are still forming and can be positively shaped through effective governance and proactive communication.”
– Ioana Maria Vasiliu
For further details and media inquiries, please contact Ioana Maria Vasiliu: ioana.vasiliu@epg-thinktank.org
This paper was written as part of the GreenHorizon CEE Project: Industrial Carbon Management for a Sustainable Future in CEE. The project is funded by the European Climate Initiative (EUKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN).