Reduction of CO2 emissions by underground sequestration

CO2 capture and sequestration/storage is one of the methods proposed to reduce CO2 emissions in the biosphere.

Important R&D efforts are required for the different stages of the procedure: capture of CO2, transport of CO2, final storage in geological formations such as deep saline aquifers, depleted oil and gas fields and coal seams. To these technical points, other challenges have to be added: decreasing the cost of capture, ensuring the effectiveness of the storage (CO2 should remain in the underground several thousands years to avoid climate change), minimising the environmental impact of the storage and reaching public and governmental acceptance of the concept.

The aim of the event was to address those challenges and present the various methodologies that would allow a gradual evolution in the energy supply mix, in order to comply with the current Kyoto commitments and the further commitments required to control climate change.

This event provided a follow-up to the IFP’s technological discussions that would have taken place on 2 October during a meeting of experts. The IFP presented an assessment of the current situation and outline the technical solutions that enable CO2 emissions to be trapped and sequestered underground.