What is Carbon Storage?
Carbon storage refers to the process of safely and permanently or semi-permanently holding carbon dioxide that has been removed from the atmosphere or captured from industrial sources. The goal is to prevent the CO₂ from re-entering the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. Storage can occur in various natural or engineered reservoirs.
Why is Carbon Storage important?
Effective and secure carbon storage is paramount to the success of carbon removal and carbon capture technologies. Without reliable storage, the effort to remove or capture CO₂ is incomplete, and the greenhouse gas would eventually return to the atmosphere, negating climate benefits. Durable storage is a key criterion for high-quality carbon removal.
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Frequently asked questions
The main types include geological storage (e.g., in saline aquifers, depleted oil and gas reservoirs) and biological storage (e.g., in forests, soils, or engineered products like biochar).
Safety protocols for carbon storage, especially geological storage, involve extensive site characterization, monitoring for leakage, and regulatory oversight to ensure the CO₂ remains securely contained over long periods.
To be effective in mitigating climate change, carbon should ideally be stored for hundreds to thousands of years, or even longer, to ensure it doesn't re-enter the atmosphere and contribute to warming.