Sustainable Energy Futures: Emerging Technology of Geological Carbon Storage

Dear Colleagues,

The change in climate patterns due to global warming endangers the world’s ecosystems. Increasing heatwaves, droughts, hurricanes, and floods are directly linked to the increasing global average temperature. Moreover, wildfires, which are a consequence of global warming, increase the level of air pollution and destroy large areas of land and forests each year. In some parts of the world, thriving species may be observed spreading diseases. Extreme weather and heat also affect human health, particularly that of children, the elderly, and the poor. Ice sheets are also affected due to an increase in the global average temperature. Melting ice sheets increase sea levels, which negatively impact coastal infrastructures. Indeed, additions of a significant amount of freshwater affect ocean species whose life depends on salt water. Ocean currents are affected due to the entry of a huge amount of cold water. Therefore, industries that rely on fisheries are expected to be influenced by a change in the locations where fish spawn. With less precipitation and a decrease in snowfall during warmer winters, there is a loss of glacial ice, which is a vital water resource for plants and animals depending on freshwater.

There is a direct relationship between global warming and the increase in the level of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The most well-known greenhouse gases include vapor, carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and ozone (O₃). The main role of greenhouse gases is to trap heat in the atmosphere. Anthropogenic activities have increased the level of CO₂ in the atmosphere, which accounts for 9–26% of GHG emissions. Indeed, the global average temperature of Earth’s surface has risen by 0.85 °C from 1880 to 2012. If the rate of the increase in global warming remains constant, the global average temperature will probably reach 1.5 °C between 2030 and 2052.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one technique used to mitigate the level of emitted CO₂ into the atmosphere. In this method, CO₂ is stored in underground formations. For example, depleted oil and gas reservoirs are one of the greatest potential underground formations for CO₂ storage. These reservoirs have retained high-temperature and high-pressure fluids for millions of years. This demonstrates their high capability to keep CO₂ for long periods. In addition, the structures of these types of underground formations have been extensively studied during various stages of their lifespan, from exploration to abandonment. This reduces the expenses and the time to be invested in this step. In some reservoirs, CO₂ injection is implemented as an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method. Furthermore, the technology of geological CO₂ storage is advancing to fulfill the net-zero target, so this topic requires a meticulous investigation to help improve CCS. 

This Special Issue aims to represent quality papers showing the latest achievements related to the technology of geological CO₂ storage. These papers could address any issue related to the technology of CO₂ storage within underground formations. This Special Issue represents an opportunity to share ideas with a wider international community in this field. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Seyed M. Shariatipour
Dr. Mohammadreza Bagheri
Guest Editors

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• CO₂ storage
• carbon capture
• CO₂ sequestration
• CCS
• carbon storage
• geological CO₂ storage
• climate change