Climate Change Administration

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is an indispensable element in the global transition to net-zero emissions and a crucial strategy for Taiwan's net-zero goals. Pursuant to Article 39 of the Climate Change Response Act, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) officially promulgated the "Regulations for the Management of Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage" on August 25, marking a significant new milestone in Taiwan's push toward 2050 Net-Zero Emissions.

The MOENV stated that CCS has been incorporated into Taiwan's 2050 Net-Zero Emissions Pathway and its NDC 3.0 (Nationally Determined Contributions), with clearly defined project targets. Following the enactment of the Climate Change Response Act, it was explicitly stipulated that entities engaged in the storage of captured carbon dioxide must apply to the MOENV for approval, and that the MOENV was authorized to formulate these management regulations. The MOENV published a draft of the Regulations for public comment at the end of last year. After holding consultation meetings and taking into account feedback from various sectors, the formulation and promulgation have been completed. The Regulations consist of 30 articles, with key points as follows:

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is an indispensable element in the global transition to net-zero emissions and a Clear Application Procedures and Required Documents for Storage Sites: Before applying for storage approval, an entity must submit an exploration application to the MOENV. Upon review and approval, the entity may proceed with site exploration. Subsequently, the entity must conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, followed by an application for storage approval as stipulated by these Regulations. Key required documents include an implementation plan detailing the site location, storage methods, target storage capacity and storage period, geological exploration and survey results, environmental impact and risk management reports, assessment reports on carbon dioxide sources, concentration, and volume, environmental monitoring plans, corrective measures and emergency response plans, well-plugging plans, and financial security plans. Existing pilot projects that passed the EIA prior to the promulgation of these Regulations (such as CPC Corporation's Tiehchenshan project and Taipower's Taichung Power Plant pilot project) may directly apply for storage approval.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is an indispensable element in the global transition to net-zero emissions and a Domestic Source Requirement and Purity Standards: The Regulations mandate that the source of stored carbon dioxide must be captured domestically, except for approved pilot projects involving quantities of 4,000 metric tons or less. Furthermore, the concentration of the stored carbon dioxide must be at least 95%, with specific requirements regarding its composition.

Environmental Monitoring and Information Disclosure: Upon obtaining storage approval, entities must conduct various monitoring activities as required and submit quarterly reports to the MOENV. Concurrently, entities must establish an online platform for public disclosure and upload real-time data, such as carbon dioxide concentration levels and seismic monitoring results, to designated websites.

Long-Term Liability and Financial Security: Entities are required to submit financial guarantee documents and environmental damage liability insurance for the upcoming year by December 31 annually. The statutory monitoring period following well plugging is, in principle, 20 years and commences only upon completion of well-plugging operations, ensuring that entities possess the financial and operational capabilities to fulfill their long-term responsibilities.

Safety Precautions: A 24-hour anomaly reporting mechanism has been established. In the event of major geological safety concerns, the entity must complete execution in accordance with the approved plan within 90 days of receiving notification. If the central competent authority deems that an environmental hazard or major geological disaster risk exists, it may order mandatory well plugging.

The official promulgation of the "Regulations for the Management of Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage" lays a solid legal foundation for Taiwan's crucial low-carbon transition strategy, balancing technological feasibility with environmental safety. Moving forward, the MOENV will continue to monitor domestic and international technological advancements, periodically review and adjust relevant complementary measures on a rolling basis, and assist industries in achieving steady carbon reduction under a well-regulated framework.