Capture, storage and utilisation of CO2

Your challenges and needs

Controlling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a major challenge in the fight against global warming. In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the reduction of CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere naturally requires a drastic reduction in GHG emissions, but this will inevitably have an impact on certain unavoidable end uses. This is why the capture of CO₂ emitted by industrial installations and its permanent storage in deep underground layers is one of the relevant complementary solutions for reducing ultimate emissions and achieving carbon neutrality.

With a global storage capacity of at least 2,000 Gt, geological formations can trap very large volumes of CO₂ for millions of years. Different geological storage techniques can be envisaged, using saline aquifers, former oil or gas wells, deep coal seams, or alkaline and ultra-alkaline rocks.

In order to assess the potential for integration of these systems and to ensure their performance, upstream studies are needed to assess geological formations that are capable of possibly storing CO₂ and to determine the technical and economic solutions best suited to the region. From the choice of emission -capture method, through their sequestration mode to their economic exploitation, CCUS technologies can cover a wide range of multiple scenarios, depending on the situation.

Our added value

BRGM has been a key player in research and innovation in the geological storage of CO₂, and is an expert on the subject in many scientific and technical networks (chairman of the French CO₂ Club and the CO2GeoNet association). Its teams develop tailor-made approaches to assess the potential of a region and the feasibility of integrating CCUS solutions at different stages of a project.

• During the upstream phase:
  • Mapping of CO₂ emission sources and industrial clusters in the region;
  • Involvement of local stakeholders in the development of CCUS scenarios;
  • Verification that these scenarios meet the specific needs of the region.
• On the capture of CO₂ from industrial or atmospheric sources:
  • Trapping CO₂ by dissolving it in water;
  • Electrochemical reduction trapping from layered double hydroxides (LDHs);
  • Atmospheric CO₂ capture/storage loop using lagooning (lime milk) and calcination.
• Geological storage of CO₂:
  • Assessment of geological storage potential and characterisation of associated reservoirs;
  • Estimation of 3D dynamic and analytical storage capacities (volumetric approach);
  • Definition and optimisation of the injection strategy and technology;
  • Simulation of water-fluid-rock interactions at the well or storage system scale;
  • Follow-up of sites through appropriate monitoring.
• On the use and exploitation of CO₂:
  • Identification of the potential for CO₂ use and planning of a CO₂  network by means of a geographic information system (GIS);
  • Mineralisation via processes of mineral carbonation of alkaline waste by passivation of CO₂;
  • Energy use by in situ conversion to methane with green hydrogen or in synergy with geothermal energy;
  • Environmental analysis of the CCUS chain, Life Cycle Assessment of carbon.