Exploring paths and innovation in Norwegian carbon capture and storage policy

Norway, a significant petroleum producer and exporter, has been frontrunner within policies for carbon capture storage (CCS). As CCS is recognized as key technology achieving the Paris climate policy targets, there clear need more knowledge about how to design successful projects. Norway's first initiative, ambitious Mongstad project, was result of political compromise that imposed from above, basically with one single company in control. The project largely seen failure terminated 2013. However, instead dropping ambitions developing projects, authorities launched new soon afterwards. This evolved differently organized Longship its core. Using path-dependency perspective, we find established institutional structures combined national interests expertise, help explain fundamental continuity Norway. explanation supplemented by policy-learning which helps changes differences between two flagship developed gradually ‘from below’; linked responsibilities close competences interests; dealt risks separately reduce inherent complexity; requirements up front. We hold this way designing projects relevance other countries considering Furthermore, placing Norwegian case context development EU international contribute theoretical framework relevant also subsequent research.