چکيده
Scientific evidence confirms a relation between the dramatic increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the global warming side-effects.
This leaves little doubt about the need for large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), especially CO2 enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and storage, is a promising short to medium term solution to mitigate the fast growth of greenhouse gas emissions, Carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) has become top of mind in oil and gas, energy policy, and sustainability conversations worldwide.
CO2 storage in geological media is not risk free. There are risks associated with the capture, transportation and injection of CO2 that are similar to and comparable with any other industrial activity, particularly in the oil and gas industry, and for which an extensive safety and regulatory framework is in place.
The specific risks associated with CO2 storage related to the operational (injection) phase, mainly geomechanical and hydrodynamic, and to the post-operational phase. The geomechanical risks refer to rock fracturing, ground heaving and induced seismicity, while hydrodynamic risks refer to fluid displacement in the subsurface.
However, the risks of most concern are those posed by the potential for acute or chronic CO2 leakage from the storage site. Notwithstanding the global climate effect of CO2 returning to the atmosphere, the local risks to health and safety, environment and equity need to be properly assessed and managed.
Consequently, proper monitoring frameworks and remediation plans need to be put in place for each CO2 geological-storage operation.
