TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABLE USE OF FOSSIL FUELS: IMPACTS OF CFF OPTIONS AND SOCIETAL PREFERENCES. Andre Faaij 1 , Dancker Daamen 2 , Marjolein de Best-Waldhober 2 , Karl-Heinz Wolf 3 1 Copernicus Institute, Dept. of Science, Technology & Society, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 2 3584 CS Utrecht, Netherlands. 2 Dept. of Psychology, Centre of Energy & Environmental Studies- Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands. 3 Subfaculty of Applied Earth Sciences - Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands. Abstract Identification of promising integral strategies and trajectories for a transition towards sustainable fossil fuel use is complex. As a whole, Clean Fossil Fuel (CFF) concepts should comply with societal preferences and criteria and should meet ecological, safety, economic and other criteria. Taking these dimensions into account when designing CFF systems is essential for their successful development and implementation. How this should be done is largely unanswered; weighing very different aspects and impacts of (new) technological systems, in particular societal preferences, is very complex. It is exactly this area that is investigated here using a multidisciplinary approach. Key of this work is the development and deployment of a so-called Information and Choice Questionnaire to inform lay people about CFF options and gather informed and well-considered public opinions and attitudes regarding these CFF options. This process is described in this paper. Background & Rationale Essential to acceptable deployment of fossil fuels in the context of a sustainable development is to avoid CO2 emissions by removing CO2 from conversion processes and storing the recovered CO2 underground or in the ocean. A major challenge is to identify fossil fuel energy systems and implementation schemes that are able to meet very diverse criteria of sustainability and allow for a smooth shift from the current use of fossil fuels to sustainable utilization of fossil fuels. It is still an open question exactly what conversion technologies and complete systems (from source to end-use) ensure an optimal use of fossil fuels. However, improved and new technology should ensure that fossil fuel utilization takes place efficiently, at competitive cost levels, meet strict ecological standards and is realized in a socially acceptable manner. As there exists a wide potential portfolio of options it is essential to identify in detail the (ecological and economic) impacts of such systems and the required development (e.g. of infrastructure) to ensure that key technologies are available on a commercial basis in an appropriate timeframe. The time component is crucial to include for identifying feasible trajectories that can ensure a successful transition from the current fossil fuel use to a system that meets the sustainability criteria. Also, such a transition should not hamper the development of other desirable options to mitigate GHG emissions. As a whole, concepts should comply with societal preferences and criteria and should meet ecological, safety, economic and other criteria. Taking these dimensions into account when designing (CFF) systems is essential for a successful development and implementation of new fossil energy systems. How this should be done is largely unanswered; weighing very different aspects and impacts of (new) technological systems, in particular societal preferences, is very complex. It is exactly this area that is investigated here using a multidisciplinary approach. Key objectives/activities The overall objective of the programme of which this work is part is to identify promising integral strategies and trajectories for a transition towards sustainable fossil fuel use. The work reported here focuses on the following intertwined elements of the research program: 1 Corresponding author: Tel: +31-30-2537643/00, Fax: +31-30-2537601, E-mail: A.Faaij@chem.uu.nl