Marine Carbon Storage - CCUS Terms

Description:
Marine Carbon Storage refers to the process of storing captured carbon dioxide (CO2) in marine environments, including deep ocean waters, seabed sediments, and subsea geological formations. This method aims to sequester CO2 in stable and secure marine reservoirs, preventing its release into the atmosphere and contributing to climate change mitigation.

Explanation:
Marine Carbon Storage is significant in the broader framework of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) because it provides an additional option for the long-term sequestration of captured CO2. Here’s how marine carbon storage integrates with the CCUS framework:

• Carbon Capture. Marine carbon storage complements land-based storage options by providing additional capacity for the sequestration of captured CO2. After CO2 is captured from industrial sources or directly from the air, it can be transported to marine storage sites for injection and sequestration. This expands the range of storage options available for managing captured CO2.
• Utilization. While marine carbon storage primarily focuses on the sequestration of CO2, it can also support CO2 utilization technologies that produce materials suitable for marine environments. For example, captured CO2 can be used to produce materials for coastal protection or marine construction, integrating utilization and storage efforts in marine settings.
• Storage. Marine carbon storage involves injecting captured CO2 into deep ocean waters, seabed sediments, or subsea geological formations. These marine reservoirs offer the potential for long-term and secure storage due to their stable conditions and isolation from the atmosphere. By leveraging the vast storage capacity of marine environments, this method can significantly contribute to global CO2 sequestration efforts.

Advantages:
Marine carbon storage provides an additional and potentially vast capacity for CO2 sequestration, complementing land-based storage options. It leverages stable marine environments for long-term and secure storage, contributing to significant reductions in atmospheric CO2 levels. By diversifying storage options, marine carbon storage enhances the flexibility and resilience of CCUS strategies. Additionally, it supports the development of integrated solutions that combine CO2 utilization and storage in marine settings.

Challenges:
Implementing marine carbon storage requires addressing technical, environmental, and regulatory challenges. Ensuring the safety and effectiveness of CO2 injection and storage in marine environments necessitates robust monitoring and verification systems. Understanding and mitigating the potential impacts on marine ecosystems and biodiversity is crucial. Developing the infrastructure for CO2 transportation and injection in marine settings requires significant investment. Additionally, navigating the complex regulatory frameworks and gaining public acceptance for marine carbon storage can be challenging.

In summary, Marine Carbon Storage refers to the process of storing captured CO2 in marine environments, including deep ocean waters, seabed sediments, and subsea geological formations. In the context of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), marine carbon storage provides an additional option for long-term and secure sequestration of captured CO2. Despite challenges related to technical, environmental, and regulatory aspects, marine carbon storage is essential for expanding the capacity and flexibility of global CO2 sequestration efforts.