Deep geological storage of CO₂ examined on the UK Continental Shelf

More than 99% of injected CO₂ is expected to remain contained after 100 years of deep geological storage on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), finds a government report.

Released by the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the publication shares insights after modelling two examples sites over 25 years of injection operations and 100 years of post-injection containment. 

BEIS commissioned a group of independent expert advisors to produce the report.

The two sites are designed to reflect the features of 'typical' UK offshore sites. The report says, 'While the risks will vary on a site-specific basis, the results indicate a very high level of confidence in the long-term security of CO₂ containment in typical carbon capture and storage complexes on the UKCS.'

It continues, 'To calculate the statistical probable worst-case scenario leakage from an example storage complex over its injection life and post-closure period, the maximum probability of occurence and maximum leak rate have been used. This provides a conservative calculation of the risked estimate of overall leakage.'

Download the report. 

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