Storage of carbon dioxide in geological reservoirs: Is it a cleaner technology?

Abstract

Increased anthropogenic emissions and accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere have led to climate change, which has become a major global environmental concern. The effects of anthropogenic GHG emissions and their relationship with climate change have been extensively studied and discussed in recent decades. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the main GHGs, and several technologies have been developed to capture and dispose of it before it is released into the atmosphere. CO2 storage in geological reservoirs to mitigate CO2 emissions is one of the technological solutions that has attracted interest. This article primarily focuses on answering the following question: To what extent can the storage of carbon dioxide in geological reservoirs (CGS) be considered a cleaner technology? A literature review on this subject was carried out along with document analysis and expert consultation. Initially, the literature on environmental technologies, specifically that on CGS technology, was reviewed. Subsequently, the use of CGS technology as an environmental technology was investigated. We conclude that it can be considered a transitional technology. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.