Underground pockets of CO2, where the gas has been securely stored for in many cases more than 1 million years, exist worldwide and can serve to expand knowledge of how to safely store anthropogenic CO2, according to a new report from researchers at the University of Edinburgh and University of Strathclyde in Scotland. “Lessons for safe CO2 storage can be learned from nature, which has been containing greenhouse gas securely for millennia,” Johannes Miocic, of the University of Edinburgh’s School of GeoSciences and lead researcher on the study, said in a university release.
Data from 76 natural CO2 reservoirs in America, Europe, Asia, and Australia shed light on the ideal characterizes for a CO2 storage site. The study found that sites deeper than 1,200 meters, with a high density of gas and multiple, thick cap rocks are beneficial for CO2 storage.
The findings can assist in development of CCS technologies, according to the release. “This study confirms that our current approach to creating CO2 stores is effective, and will help ensure that future CCS sites are safe and secure,” said Stuart Gilfillan, also of the School of GeoSciences and study coordinator.
