In the heart of China’s ambitious “dual carbon” goals, a team of researchers from the State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Development Engineering at Southwest Petroleum University in Chengdu is making significant strides in the field of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Their latest work, published in Youqicang pingjia yu kaifa, which translates to “Oil and Gas Field Evaluation and Development,” is set to influence the future of CO2 geological sequestration, a critical technology for achieving carbon neutrality.
The study, led by LI Shilun, delves into the economic, technical, and safety aspects of CO2 geological sequestration, providing a comprehensive overview of China’s progress and the challenges that lie ahead. The research is particularly timely, as China ramps up its efforts to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
One of the key aspects the team has focused on is the economic boundaries of CCUS technology. “The economic viability of CCUS is crucial for its widespread adoption,” says LI. “Our research provides a detailed analysis of the costs associated with capture, transportation, injection, and burial of CO2, helping to identify the most cost-effective strategies.”
The study also sheds light on the source-sink matching technology, a critical component of CCUS that involves pairing CO2 emission sources with suitable geological storage sites. China’s vast and varied geography presents both opportunities and challenges in this regard. The team has mapped out the country’s source-sink characteristics and distribution, paving the way for optimized matching technologies.
Safety is another paramount concern in CO2 geological sequestration. The researchers have reviewed the current state of safety risk assessment and burial monitoring techniques, emphasizing the need for economically efficient, effective, and quantitative monitoring methods. “Ensuring the safety of CO2 storage is non-negotiable,” says LI. “Our work highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and risk assessment to prevent CO2 leakage and mitigate potential environmental impacts.”
The implications of this research for the energy sector are profound. As countries worldwide strive to reduce their carbon footprint, CCUS is emerging as a vital tool in the fight against climate change. The insights provided by LI and his team could help shape the future of CO2 geological sequestration, not just in China, but globally.
The energy sector is already taking note. The detailed economic analysis could help companies make informed decisions about investing in CCUS technologies. Meanwhile, the source-sink matching and safety monitoring insights could guide the development of more efficient and safer CO2 storage projects.
As the world watches China’s progress towards its “dual carbon” goals, the work of LI and his team serves as a beacon of hope. Their research, published in Youqicang pingjia yu kaifa, is not just a testament to China’s commitment to carbon neutrality but also a significant contribution to the global effort against climate change. The future of CO2 geological sequestration looks promising, and this study is a significant step in the right direction.