CO2 storage for improved global climate

Geological storage of CO2 in the subsurface can give an important contribution in reducing global climate change. To do achieve this, the Norwegian research community must develop four entirely new techniques and methods.

The percentage of the greenhouse gas CO2 in the atmosphere has increased radically during the last 100 years leading to global climate change. Storing CO2 in the subsurface would represent an important step in the reduction CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and thereby contribute to a solution of climate problems. A race is underway to develop advanced technology required in the following areas:

 - CO2 must be trapped and cleaned from exhaust gasses effectively and economically
 - Suitable storage sites must be located/discovered and characterized
 - Safe techniques must be developed for the injection of the CO2 into target reservoirs
 - Methods must be developed  to monitor the behavior of CO2 in reservoirs and subsurface

This short article gives an overview of the type of research with which NGI is involved on the CO2 front.