Understanding the Status of the Carbon Capture and Storage Technology in Italy: A Discussion Based on a SWOT Analysis

In the framework of mitigation actions aimed at counteracting the carbon emissions from the electricity generation sector, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is increasingly being recognized as a viable and practical solution, especially in the short term. Usually, the convenience of a CCS project on a specific technology of power generation plant is established by comparing each investment with and without CCS from a technical and economic point of view. The evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of an investment, however, cannot be limited to the sole quantitative analysis, rather should also embrace the evaluation of qualitative factors, including political and societal aspects. This is all the more evident when the Italian situation is taking into consideration. Within this context, this paper firstly conducts a techno-economic assessment of CCS projects in Italian power plants and, subsequently, proposes a systematic evaluation of those factors influencing CCS investments in Italy. To this end, a SWOT analysis is conducted to emphasize the Strengths, the Weaknesses as well as the Opportunities and Threats of CCS projects, thus trying to propose solutions and countermeasures for the success of such investment decisions in Italy.