SUBSURFACE CARBON SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL IN OFFSHORE ENVIRONMENTS: A GEOSCIENCIFIC PERSPECTIVE

SUBSURFACE CARBON SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL IN OFFSHORE ENVIRONMENTS: A GEOSCIENCIFIC PERSPECTIVE

08-04-24 | Obobi Ume Onwuka & Akinsola Adu
Subsurface carbon sequestration in offshore environments is a critical strategy for mitigating climate change by capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) beneath the ocean floor. This paper explores the geoscientific perspective on the potential for offshore subsurface carbon sequestration, examining geological formations, reservoir assessment, and seismic imaging. Offshore environments offer vast storage capacity, often underutilized, and provide opportunities for large-scale carbon storage. However, challenges such as geological uncertainties, technological limitations, and environmental risks must be addressed to ensure long-term storage integrity. Offshore carbon sequestration utilizes geological formations like salt domes, sandstone reservoirs, and deep saline aquifers for secure storage. These formations provide natural seals and porous structures that can trap CO₂. The process involves injecting CO₂ into these formations, where it either dissolves in brine or is trapped by impermeable layers. Offshore environments also benefit from existing infrastructure, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, which can be repurposed for storage. Real-world case studies, such as the Sleipner and Snøhvit projects, demonstrate the feasibility of offshore carbon sequestration. These projects highlight the importance of reservoir selection, geological assessments, and collaboration between industry, governments, and research institutions. Ongoing research and pilot programs, like the Otway and TOMORROW projects, contribute to refining geoscientific methodologies and technological innovations. Economic and environmental implications are significant, requiring cost-benefit analyses, environmental impact assessments, and adherence to regulatory frameworks. Offshore carbon sequestration must balance economic viability with environmental sustainability, ensuring minimal ecological disruption and long-term storage security. The future of offshore carbon sequestration depends on technological advancements, such as improved seismic imaging, AI-driven monitoring, and innovative injection techniques. Collaborative efforts and global knowledge-sharing are essential for advancing the field. The paper concludes that responsible practices, continuous research, and international cooperation are vital for the successful and sustainable implementation of offshore carbon sequestration.Subsurface carbon sequestration in offshore environments is a critical strategy for mitigating climate change by capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) beneath the ocean floor. This paper explores the geoscientific perspective on the potential for offshore subsurface carbon sequestration, examining geological formations, reservoir assessment, and seismic imaging. Offshore environments offer vast storage capacity, often underutilized, and provide opportunities for large-scale carbon storage. However, challenges such as geological uncertainties, technological limitations, and environmental risks must be addressed to ensure long-term storage integrity. Offshore carbon sequestration utilizes geological formations like salt domes, sandstone reservoirs, and deep saline aquifers for secure storage. These formations provide natural seals and porous structures that can trap CO₂. The process involves injecting CO₂ into these formations, where it either dissolves in brine or is trapped by impermeable layers. Offshore environments also benefit from existing infrastructure, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, which can be repurposed for storage. Real-world case studies, such as the Sleipner and Snøhvit projects, demonstrate the feasibility of offshore carbon sequestration. These projects highlight the importance of reservoir selection, geological assessments, and collaboration between industry, governments, and research institutions. Ongoing research and pilot programs, like the Otway and TOMORROW projects, contribute to refining geoscientific methodologies and technological innovations. Economic and environmental implications are significant, requiring cost-benefit analyses, environmental impact assessments, and adherence to regulatory frameworks. Offshore carbon sequestration must balance economic viability with environmental sustainability, ensuring minimal ecological disruption and long-term storage security. The future of offshore carbon sequestration depends on technological advancements, such as improved seismic imaging, AI-driven monitoring, and innovative injection techniques. Collaborative efforts and global knowledge-sharing are essential for advancing the field. The paper concludes that responsible practices, continuous research, and international cooperation are vital for the successful and sustainable implementation of offshore carbon sequestration.
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[slides and audio] SUBSURFACE CARBON SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL IN OFFSHORE ENVIRONMENTS%3A A GEOSCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE