Bellona has performed a study to document safety aspects and environmental issues related to CO₂ storage. The results are documented in a 128 page report, and a shorter paper with the results can be downloaded as a PDF file from the box to the right. A short summary is given below

Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) is one option for reducing atmospheric emissions of CO₂ and thereby contributes in actions for stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. CO₂ storage in geological formations has been in practice since early 1970s. Information and experience gained from the injection and/or storage of CO₂ from a large number of existing enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects indicate that it is feasible to safely store CO₂ in geological formations as a CO₂ mitigation option.

Industrial analogues, including underground natural gas storage projects around the world and acid gas injection projects, provide additional indications that CO₂ can be safely injected and stored at well-characterized and properly managed sites.

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Geological storage of CO₂ is in practice today beneath the North Sea, where nearly 1 MtCO₂ has been successfully injected annually in the Utsira formation at the Sleipner Gas Field since 1996. The site is well characterized and the CO₂ injection process was monitored using seismic methods and this provided insights into the geometrical distribution of the injected CO₂.

The injected CO₂ will potentially be trapped geochemically. Pressure build up as a result of CO₂ injection is unlikely to occur. Solubility and density dependence of CO₂-water composition will become the controlling fluid parameters at Sleipner. The solubility trapping has the effect of eliminating the buoyant forces that drive CO₂ upwards, and through time it can lead to mineral trapping, which is the most permanent and secure form of geological storage.

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Overall, the study at the Sleipner area demonstrates the geological security of carbon dioxide storage. The monitoring tools strengthen the verification of safe injection of CO₂ in the Utsira formation. This proves that CO₂ capture and storage is technically feasible and can be an effective method for greenhouse mitigation provided the site is well characterized and monitored properly.

Bellona has performed several studies on CO₂ storage. Our report on establishing a CO₂ value chain by using CO₂ for EOR has been an important document in the CCS debate in Norway the latest years.

The supply of CO₂ in a value chain will in many cases be different from the demand of CO₂. Intermediate storage of CO₂ is therefore an interesting option in a CO₂ value chain. Bellona has carried out a study on intermediate CO₂ storage.

The success of safe CO₂ capture and storage as a greenhouse gas mitigation strategy depends on the regulatory framework established to govern its deployment. Bellona has also published a paper on the need for regulatory framework.