The BGS is recognised as a European centre of excellence for the study of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage. We have a dedicated carbon capture and storage (CCS) team that is active in a number of research areas including:
- characterisation and capacity estimation of potential underground storage reservoirs
- potential chemical interactions of injected CO2 with the surrounding rocks
- storage site monitoring technologies and integrated monitoring strategies
- assessment of long-term site performance, including evaluating consequences of potential leakage
The coal-fired power station at Ratcliffe-on-Soar, Nottinghamshire. Power stations such as this emit million of tonnes of CO2 every year. © BGS/UKRI.
See our Discovering Geology pages for an introduction to carbon capture and storage.
CO2 storage database
CO2 Stored is a national asset, identifying a geological storage potential of over 70 billion tonnes of storage deep under the UK seabed. The UK is the first country in the world to provide this information online. CO2 Stored is hosted and developed by the BGS in partnership with The Crown Estate.
Contact
If you want to discover more then please contact Jonathan Pearce.
Relative topics
Our research
CO2 storage capacity estimation
Providing a realistic, defensible and fully auditable estimate of the storage capacity of geological formations below the UK’s coastal waters assists in the licensing of CO2 storage sites.
Long-term performance
We are undertaking research that will help to ensure the safe and long-term storage of CO2.
Monitoring
Regulations require monitoring before starting operations at a CO2 storage site.
Storage site characterisation
Successful storage operations require rigorous site characterisation focused on risk reduction for selected storage sites.