Volcanic rocks could store captured CO2, study finds
The rocks could store millions of tonnes of CO2 by turning it into stone in the UK.
The scientific study has identified eight underground volcanic formations that could store over 3,000Mt of industrial CO2 waste.
The University of Edinburgh study analysed the geology, chemistry and volume of reactive rocks from around the UK, including basalts in Country Antrim in Northern Ireland, the Isle of Skye in Scotland and in the Lake District, England.
Rocks in these areas are rich in calcium and magnesium, which readily binds with CO2 to form a solid mineral in a process known as carbon mineralisation.
This works by dissolving captured CO2 in water and injecting the carbonated water into volcanic rocks deep underground. Mineralisation occurs in the spaces and cracks naturally present in the rocks, turning the carbonated water into stone.
Mid-range estimates reportedly find that the Antrim Lava Group in Northern Ireland offers the largest storage potential of 1,400Mt of CO2.
The Borrowdale Volcanic Group in England was estimated to offer 700Mt, while the Skye Lava Group could store around 600Mt.
