Geoscience for CO2 storage: an introduction to the thematic collection

Abstract

This is a summary of a collection of 12 research papers in a thematic set. It is clear that in the transition towards a carbon-neutral future, CO2 storage will be a critical technology for decarbonization of society, particularly in those areas of industry and energy supply where renewable energy solutions are more difficult to apply, or where CO2 is a by-product of the process (e.g. manufacture of cement or fertilizer). Successful geological storage of CO2 requires careful consideration of many factors in geoscience and engineering, some of which have long been critical in petroleum exploration and production activities, while others are relatively new. It is therefore important to foster and disseminate the emerging geoscience skill set needed to mature and apply CO2 storage technology.