The CO sub(2)QUALSTORE guideline for selection, characterisation and qualification of sites and projects for geological storage of CO sub(2)

The CO sub(2)QUALSTORE guideline has been developed by DNV in collaboration with industrial partners and with input from a number of national regulators. The guideline is globally applicable and adopts a risk based approach to the selection, characterisation and qualification of sites and projects for geological storage of CO sub(2). This article summarises the guideline and describes how the document may assist project developers in passing project management milestones during a CO sub(2) storage project life cycle, simultaneously demonstrating compliance with regulations and stakeholder expectations. A primary objective of the qualification workflow contained in the guideline is to assist operators, authorities, verifiers and other stakeholders in assuring that storage sites are qualified following a transparent, consistent and cost-effective process. The guideline lays the groundwork for a risk-based approach where monitoring programs and contingency measures are derived from preceding risk assessments.