Carbon dioxide storage on the path to implementation

From 8–11 May 2017, nearly one hundred experts and representatives from industry, policy, regulatory bodies, and investment institutions gathered in Venice to review the state of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology and to discuss the necessary steps for scaling up its deployment in practice. Participants came from across Europe, as well as from the USA, Australia, Africa, and Asia.

To achieve the required reductions in CO₂ emissions that would keep the global temperature rise below 2°C (as stipulated in the Paris Agreement), rapid and long-term measures are essential. Most climate scenarios foresee extensive use of CCS, contributing approximately 15% of the required reductions by 2050. In the second half of the century, further reductions will likely rely on negative emissions, achievable through biomass use and direct air capture of CO₂.

CCS is a proven technology. Large-scale demonstration projects are already underway in countries such as Norway (since 1996), Canada (since 2000), and the USA (since 2004). Smaller-scale and pilot projects also play an important role in improving the design of future large CCS projects and refining various technological aspects. Moreover, pilot projects help raise public awareness and acceptance of CCS as a viable climate adaptation strategy. The pace of CCS development varies across regions.

In developing regions like Africa, there is a strong interest in low-carbon technologies as a means of accelerating economic growth, creating jobs, and improving access to affordable electricity, while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In many African countries, less than 50% of the population has access to electricity, making large-scale electrification a key factor in planning future energy infrastructure. CCS could play a significant role in these regions.

Alongside the Open Forum, CO2GeoNet, in cooperation with international partners, organized workshops on “Tailored CCS Solutions” (IRIS and Gassnova) and “CCS Transfer to New Regions – Focus on Developing Countries” (BGS and GEUS). Together with partners from the ENOS project, workshops were also held to identify topics of interest for diverse stakeholder groups and to determine research priorities for future pilot or small-scale geological CO₂ storage projects.

The large-scale implementation of CCS will require the development of new knowledge. This is a key focus of CO2GeoNet’s activities. The 2017 Open Forum also included a special event for young researchers, giving them the opportunity to present their results and build an international research network. Involving early-career scientists provides both a strong foundation for their professional growth and an additional boost for CCS development. The talented young researchers who took part in the Open Forum are working on various aspects of CCS, including storage capacity estimation and economic assessments.

The outcomes of the 12th CO2GeoNet Open Forum, including a summary report, presentations, and speaker videos, are available at http://www.co2geonet.com/.

About CO₂GeoNet

CO₂GeoNet is the European scientific body on geological storage of CO₂. It currently unites 28 research institutions from 21 European countries, representing more than 300 researchers engaged in multidisciplinary expertise covering all aspects of CO₂ geological storage. Through joint research, education, expert advice, and public communication, CO₂GeoNet plays a valuable and independent role in supporting the effective and safe deployment of CO₂ geological storage.

CO₂GeoNet was established in 2004 as a Network of Excellence with EU support under the FP6 program for a five-year period. In 2008, it was restructured as a non-profit association under French law. Since 2013, the network has expanded further, supported by the now-completed FP7 project CGS Europe. The ongoing addition of new members reflects the recognition by the European scientific community of CCS’s importance in Europe’s future and the urgent need for continuous innovation and technological advancement.

CO₂GeoNet Members: