Thierry Grauwels appointed as new EU Director to boost carbon capture expansion
The Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) has announced the appointment of Thierry Grauwels as its new EU Director, effective from May. This strategic decision is part of the association's ongoing commitment to bolster the development of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) across Europe, an area that is increasingly crucial for achieving energy security and environmental sustainability.
Grauwels steps into this role with over 25 years of rich experience in the energy sector, having worked extensively on large-scale projects that encompass the entire energy value chain, including natural gas, electricity, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide initiatives. His expertise in capital-intensive projects positions him well to navigate the complexities of CCUS deployment in Europe. “I’m excited to join the CCSA team and help drive the deployment of such a crucial technology like CCUS to ensure energy security while decarbonising the economy,” he remarked during his appointment.
In addition to Grauwels’ appointment, the CCSA also welcomed Stefano Miriello as the new EU Deputy Director. Miriello has been with the CCSA as the Head of EU External Affairs and is considered well-prepared to support the organisation’s expanded efforts in Europe.
These leadership changes come at a pivotal time, as the European Commission has been signalling substantial support for CCUS technologies through its Clean Industrial Deal. This initiative aims to promote sustainable practices while simultaneously addressing the energy crisis exacerbated by geopolitical tensions. Effective leadership will be crucial for the CCSA as it seeks to leverage new opportunities presented by these policy shifts.
The CCSA's recent appointments reflect a broader trend in the energy sector, where organisations are increasingly recognising the need for adept leadership to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and market dynamics. Grauwels and Miriello’s leadership roles will enable the CCSA to influence policy development and foster partnerships that are vital for the advancement of CCUS technologies.
The importance of CCUS cannot be overstated, given its potential to significantly contribute to the EU’s climate goals for 2040 and 2050. As highlighted by industry experts, establishing a robust European CCUS market is imperative if the region is to meet its ambitious climate targets. This includes initiatives such as the European Commission’s Industrial Carbon Management Strategy and the Net Zero Industry Act, both of which are designed to facilitate the scale-up of CCUS deployment.
Furthermore, Joop Hazenberg, the previous EU Director who has transitioned into the role of Secretary General of the Zero Emissions Platform, has been a vocal advocate for fast-tracking CCUS technology as part of Europe’s climate and energy policymaking framework. He has consistently emphasised the necessity for large-scale CO2 storage solutions as part of these efforts, urging stakeholders to act decisively to unlock the full potential of CCUS.
As both Grauwels and Miriello step into their new roles, they carry the expectation of leadership that not only supports the CCSA’s operational strategy but also influences the broader discourse around carbon capture technologies. With the backdrop of regulatory support and a keener public and private sector focus on decarbonisation, the future of CCUS in Europe appears poised for significant advancement, provided that the necessary investments and policy frameworks are effectively enacted.
The carbon capture landscape is evolving, and the CCSA's recent organisational changes reflect an intent to drive this transformation, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable energy practices while addressing emerging challenges in climate policy and implementation.