Retention of Co2 in Geologic Sequestration Formations: Desirable Levels, Economic Considerations, and the Implications for Sequestration R&d

There is a growing body of literature that points to the significant potential of carbon capture and sequestration technologies to help society address the challenge posed by climate change. In particular, carbon capture and sequestration appears to be a fundamental key to controlling the costs of addressing climate change. Within this literature, there is also speculation that the retention of CO2 in sequestration reservoirs might be less than 100% effective in isolating CO2 from the atmosphere. This paper examines the impact of less than perfect retention of injected carbon dioxide in geologic reservoirs on stabilizing atmospheric concentrations of CO2. The intent of this examination is to explore tolerable levels of leakage, the economic value of “low or no-leakage” reservoirs to society and industry, and the implications of retention on the design of a near-term R&D portfolio. The authors conclude that an average retention rate of 99.9% or greater is likely economically acceptable and would still allow achievement of the stabilization goal.