In a significant stride towards bolstering Europe’s climate mitigation efforts, a recent study has mapped out promising Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) value chains in the Baltic and Mediterranean regions. The research, published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Earth Science’ (translated from the original ‘Frontiers in Earth Science’), is part of the CCUS ZEN project, aiming to support the European Green Deal by accelerating the deployment of CCUS technologies in areas with lower maturity levels compared to the North Sea region.
Led by Ane Elisabet Lothe from the Applied Geoscience Department at SINTEF Industry in Trondheim, Norway, the study conducted a high-level technical screening of CCUS value chains. This involved mapping industrial CO2 emission sources, potential storage sites, transport infrastructure, and utilization options. “We identified emission clusters and hubs based on volume, location, and industry type,” Lothe explained. “For each mapped storage site, we gathered information about the type of reservoir, its onshore or offshore location, capacity, and Storage Readiness Level.”
The screening revealed substantial CO2 emission sources and storage capacities across the regions, with notable clusters in Poland, Germany, Italy, and Turkey. Interestingly, the Baltic region showed three times the storage capacity of the Mediterranean region. Eight promising CCUS value chains were defined, integrating source-sink matching and infrastructure feasibility.
One of the study’s key contributions is the development of a unique high-level technical CCUS value chain screening workflow. This workflow, combined with an open geographical information system, allows for the mapping of emitters and storage sites from previous reports and illustrates emission clusters and possible transport routes, both existing and future infrastructures.
The research also presented a detailed case study of Southern Italy and Greece, demonstrating the potential for regional CCUS deployment. However, it also highlighted challenges such as data availability, storage capacity uncertainty, transport possibilities, and stakeholder coordination. “This study provides a foundation for further development and stakeholder engagement in CCUS planning across Europe,” Lothe noted.
The findings of this study are particularly relevant for the energy sector, as they could shape future developments in CCUS technologies and their commercial applications. By identifying promising value chains and highlighting the challenges that need to be addressed, the research paves the way for more targeted investments and strategic planning in the field of CCUS.
As Europe strives to meet its climate goals, the insights from this study could prove invaluable in accelerating the deployment of CCUS technologies, thereby contributing to the continent’s efforts to mitigate climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy. The study’s open geographical information system and screening workflow could also be adapted and applied in other regions, further expanding the potential impact of this research.