Communicating science and technology while engaging the public at the Illinois Basin – Decatur Project

The Midwest Geological Sequestration Consortium communication initiative at the Illinois Basin – Decatur Project (IBDP) draws on multiple carbon capture and storage (CCS) best practices, guidelines, and international project experiences to be both proactive and responsive toward the engagement of multiple stakeholders. The IBDP communications strategy was developed early in the project to actively reduce associated risks by creating and implementing a communication plan, training communicators, and providing a structure for the communications team. Formalized approaches to knowledge sharing and capacity building have generated additional opportunities to further outreach and impact from IBDP experiences. The initial challenge for the communications team was to provide easy‐to‐understand, scientifically accurate, and consistent information for stakeholders to carry throughout the project. Consistent, factual information was developed and incorporated into project planning, and provides the basis of public communications through the alignment of goals across communications, risk mitigation, and project management. The refinement of the communication strategy and plan is ongoing due to the changing communication needs that are encountered throughout the lifetime of the project.