1 hour ago
6
ADVERTISE HERE
KUCHING, Oct 14: The responsibility of the operator for carbon dioxide (CO2) storage after closure of the storage site continues to be tightly controlled to ensure the integrity, safety and stability of long-term carbon storage.
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, said that according to the Land (Carbon Storage) Rules, 2022, storage users remain responsible for monitoring after closure.
In response to Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman's (GPS-Tupong) question, it was clear that it included the implementation of necessary corrective measures until the storage permit expired.
"The installation of storage permits is subject to the Authority's satisfaction that stored CO2 remains contained safely and permanently, as well as all conditions and responsibilities set out have been met", he said.
He said in general, storage permits can only be terminated after a minimum period of 20 years from the closing date of the site, subject to compliance with the stipulated conditions.
"After the storage permit expires, the responsibility for continuous monitoring and enforcement of corrective actions is transferred to the licensee.
"However, the storage user remains liable for any leakage, damage or previous non-compliance arising from it, in accordance with the provisions of those rules", he said.
According to Hazland, this provision ensures the continuity of responsibility for the integrity and security of storage sites over the long term.
In fact, he said that operators are also required to prepare approved post-closure plans, in addition to continuing monitoring, reporting and implementation of corrective measures after the CO2 injection activity is stopped.
The regulatory approach is firmly critical to ensuring that responsibility for the safety of carbon storage sites does not cease once injection operations are completed, but instead continues within the established legal framework. - TVS
English (US) ·