TrykkCO₂ project

Environmental impacts of leakage from sub-seabed CO2 storage.

It is well known that an increase in atmospheric CO₂ causes acidification of water affecting to marine ecosystems. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce gas emissions and mitigate the negative effects. Carbon capture and storage in stable geological formations (CCS) is one of the options aimed at reducing CO₂ concentrations in the atmosphere. However, some risks are associated with this technique such as a potential CO₂ release from the storage. Leakage of CO₂ through bottom sediments may create secondary effects, as the resulting reduced pH of the seawater may result in an increased release of trace metals from the substrate. Thus, the aim is to evaluate environmental impacts of CO₂ leakage from sub-seabed CO₂ storage on the following topics:

1. Dissolution of CO₂ and associated processes at different rates of CO₂ fluxes, temperature and pressure.
2. Biogeochemical processes at the interface between sediment and sea-water.
3. Biological impacts (physiological effects, trace metal accumulation and impact of organic pollutants) associated with diffuse seepage of CO₂.
4. Identifying potential markers for monitoring purposes.

In order to accomplish these objectives, a unique high-pressure tank (TiTank) designed for environmental research in CO₂ storage by NTNU/SINTEF and Statoil will be used.

TrykkCO₂ will provide important new knowledge for facilitating large-scale CO₂ storage by studying environmental impacts of CO₂ storage at relevant hydrostatic pressures. There is a need for basic research aimed at enabling sufficient risk and impact assessment as well as monitoring of sub-seabed storage sites.