In the second in the Energy Transition Perspective series (link below), a compilation of publicly available information on carbon capture is combined with expert opinion from a wide range of stakeholders. Starting with a summary of the major European carbon capture, reuse and/or storage projects currently at an advanced stage of development. This is followed by reporting from a workshop hosted by an institution, whose members currently provide the global engineering expertise to the oil and gas industry. These engineers represent over a century of knowledge developing and managing deep geological production and storage reservoirs.
What emerges here is a greater awareness that carbon storage capacity is must consider both the store volume and also the allowable store pressure. Permitted storage capacity is increasing in these early European projects but requires rapid expansion to meet IPCC climate storage requirements. Fortunately, sources of CO2 beyond thermal power stations are now under active consideration, allowing for a broad industrial sector’s needs. The cement industry as a major emitter is particularly incentivised to find a solution and engaged in several of the storage projects already in development.
Beyond the technical challenges which benefit from considerable experience with CO2 injection, financial incentives for emitters are the biggest hurdle, as they are not a straightforward investment decision. Carbon storage requires a balance of soft-start governmental support leading to greater investor comfort in this emerging area for sustainable investment.
Early societal engagement is critical and gradual acceptance of carbon storage is a journey which engineers must be prepared to engage in, beyond the familiar engineering comfort areas of technical measurement and assurance.
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