Carbon capture and storage

Climate change, caused by the burning of fossil fuels, is one of the most pressing concerns for society. Currently around 90% of the UK’s energy requirements are met by fossil fuels, and although there are moves to try to reduce this reliance, fossil fuels are likely to be our predominant source of energy for decades to come. Society therefore needs to find ways to reduce the impact of fossil fuel use on the environment.

 

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) produced during the process of power generation and to store it permanently in deep geological structures beneath the land or sea. Although geological structures are, in general, robust for long-term storage, natural sub-surface gas deposits are known to “outgas” at the surface, making it crucial to understand the likelihood of leakage and the severity of impacts that may occur.

 

PML has established itself as the leading European institute for marine CCS impact research and is involved in a number of experimental, observational and modelling based initiatives to investigate the impact of CCS. As a result of these investigations, PML is providing advice to the UK government on CCS risks and research needs.

 

Computer models are being developed at PML to give predictive capability for a wide range of leak scenarios, including “outgases” and slower, more long-term leaks. Based on these findings, PML can progress a CCS risk assessment plan and mitigation strategy.


Key research areas

  • Quantifying and Monitoring Potential Ecosystem Impacts of Geological Carbon Storage (QICS)
    QICS is a research project funded by the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK. Its purpose is to improve understanding of the sensitivities of the UK marine environment to a potential leak from a carbon capture and storage system. Within this project PML aims to investigate the nature and probability of leakage (which is thought to be extremely small), quantify the environmental impact potential, test methods of monitoring and design improved predictive models of impact. This work will inform operational and risk assessment procedures for future CCS installations.