Introduction

The overall aim of the Social Research Network is “to foster the conduct and dissemination of social science research related to CCS in order to improve understanding of public concerns as well as improve the understanding of the processes required for deploying projects”.

The objectives of the Network are as follows:

• Ensure high quality social science research
  • Elevate reputation and acceptance of social science research
  • Consistency of research

• Identifying gaps

• Promoting a learning environment

• Building capacity within the Network

• Translate information from studies into tools or applied lessons
  • Apply insights to actual projects
  • Interact with technical experts
  • Communicate results to policy makers
  • Ensure application is grounded in theory

• Create a clearing house of social science research

This 2012 meeting, the third of the IEAGHG Social Research Network, was held in Noosa Heads, Australia from the 12^th to 13^th of April. The meeting was hosted by CSIRO and sponsored by the Global CCS Institute, CSIRO Advanced Coal Portfolio, CO2CRC and DPI Clean Coal. Over 40 delegates attended this successful meeting from 8 different countries.

Conclusions

The perceptions of CCS are more powerful than knowledge, but knowledge does play a role in shaping attitudes – it is important to discuss CCS in the broader context of energy/climate change and also provide knowledge on the basics (i.e. properties of CO₂). Key lessons learned are being used and, more importantly, applied – although more social science research is needed. Care should be taken when debunking myths and in particular to avoid misinformation. Host community compensation is not a final solution to siting issues but can be a valuable tool to help prevent (or solve) CCS facility siting issues and controversies. Social science research is similar to geological research on CO2 storage (as it is site-specific) and more sites are needed to further develop understanding.

Recommendations

The following recommendations were made at the end of the two day meeting in Australia:

• The exchange of information should be encouraged in new research projects

• More sites are needed to ensure detailed and accurate results

• Further multidisciplinary social research should be carried out, bringing other dimensions of social science together on key issues such as risk communication and community compensation

• More applied research is needed on sites with monitoring experience (to assess development of perceptions and attitudes)

• Energy literacy must be promoted

• A platform should be created to capture and share social science research – a potential new responsibility for IEAGHG.