탄소중립을 위한 국내⋅외의 입법동향에 관한 연구 - CCUS를 중심으로 -

Abstract In response to climate change, many nations have initiated efforts to achieve net-zero emissions, or carbon neutrality. This goal requires not only government actions but also continuous efforts from businesses and individuals. Countries such as Japan, the United States, Canada, and the European Union have been implementing various policies and legislation to advance carbon neutrality. In South Korea, the legislative framework for carbon neutrality is being established with the enactment of the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth for Climate Crisis Response and the Act on the Capture, Transport, Storage, and Utilization of Carbon Dioxide (CCUS Act). The CCUS Act, which was promulgated on February 6, 2024, and is set to take effect on February 7, 2025, provides a legal framework for managing and supporting CCUS, one of the key measures for achieving carbon neutrality. This law is the world’s first legislation to integrate Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU). It is a multi-ministerial initiative, involving the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT). Additionally, a significant feature of the CCUS Act is that it not only applies domestically but also governs international aspects, making it a unique legislative framework. However, the current CCUS Act mainly serves as a guideline for projects such as the Donghae Gas Field CCS Demonstration Project and CCU initiatives. Continuous discussions are necessary to address environmental and safety challenges. Given the complexity of regulating and supporting all aspects of CCUS through a single law, additional policies must be developed to help achieve Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) goals.