Successful Completion of the INITIATE–TrANsMIT Summer School on Advanced Topics in CCUS and CDR Technology Assessment

From 7–9 June, Politecnico di Milano's Bovisa Campus hosted the successful INITIATE–TrANsMIT Training School, bringing together MSc and PhD students, early-career researchers, and experts to explore advanced topics in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technology assessment.

Jointly organised by the Horizon 2020-funded INITIATE project and the TrANsMIT COST Action, the three-day programme provided participants with an intensive learning experience covering the latest methodologies, tools, and perspectives for evaluating CCUS and CDR technologies.

The first day focused on CCUS and CDR technologies, systems, and performance indicators, providing participants with a comprehensive overview of current technological developments and assessment approaches. Participants benefited from lectures delivered by renowned experts, including Giampaolo Manzolini, Davide Bonalumi, Tom Terlouw, Christian Bauer, Anne Ottenbros, and Mijndert Van der Spek (co-chair of the TrANsMIT COST Action).

On the second day, discussions moved towards advanced technology assessment methods, including location analysis for CCUS and CDR technologies, a hybrid approach to CAPEX projection, and a prospective techno-economic assessment (TEA) methodology for a potential project. The sessions offered valuable insights into the economic and strategic considerations shaping future deployment pathways.

The third and final day concentrated on advanced Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) topics, with particular attention given to carbon accounting, the time-value of carbon emissions and removals, and prospective LCA approaches. Participants gained valuable knowledge from Dr Tom Terlouw, PSI Paul Scherrer Institut, Switzerland, and Anne Ottenbros from Radboud University, the Netherlands, who shared their expertise and practical perspectives on assessing the environmental impacts of emerging CCUS and CDR technologies.

The training school concluded with participants presenting the results of their group assignments, demonstrating the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme. These presentations highlighted the enthusiasm, collaboration, and scientific engagement that characterised the event.

The INITIATE consortium extends its sincere thanks to all lecturers, organisers, and participants whose contributions made this training school a success.