What is Carbon Storage?

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) constitutes a pivotal tool in the pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2050, working in harmonious conjunction with renewable energy, reforestation, and efficiency initiatives. By intercepting CO2 emissions and addressing them proactively, CCS effectively mitigates the environmental footprint. Its adaptability traverses various sectors, encompassing not only cement and steel but also contributing significantly to hydrogen production. The secure storage of CO2, which marks the culmination of the CCS process, has an enduring legacy of safety and efficiency spanning decades. Leveraging the substantial subsurface reservoirs of our planet, carbon storage presents a pragmatic and intuitive solution for effective CO2 mitigation on a global scale.

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Where is CO2 stored and how do we know it works?

Where is CO2 stored?

Geological storage injects captured CO2 into underground rock formations, over 1 km deep, permanently removing it from the atmosphere. These formations feature pores for CO2 storage, permeability for injection and movement, and permanence with cap rocks to ensure containment.

How is CO2 injected underground and why does it stay there?

After capture, CO2 is compressed and injected into porous storage formations through a well. It migrates upward, getting trapped under impermeable cap rock. Over time, it dissolves in saline water (solution trapping), gets trapped in pores (residual trapping), and reacts to form solid minerals (mineral trapping), achieving permanent storage.

How do we know it works?

Fossil fuels were trapped underground like CO2 storage formations. Over 200 million tonnes of CO2 are stored successfully underground, including 26 million tonnes in Norway since 1996. Decades of experience show CO2 storage's safety and feasibility, supported by experts.

Monitoring tech ensures CO2 containment, and established methods handle leaks, though rare. No significant CO2 leak from CCS operations has happened.

How much CO2 can be stored underground?

Abundant underground storage surpasses climate needs. Over 14,000 gigatonnes of storage exist globally, compared to 33 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions in 2021. Storage spans countries, enabling worldwide CCS deployment. Certain regions, like North America, possess substantial potential, with at least 2,000 gigatonnes of storage in storage formations.