Behaviour of the CO2-H2O system and preliminary mineralisation model and experiments

There is rapidly converging agreement that CO2 emissions need to be reduced in order to limit climate change and global warming effects. One way of disposing of carbon dioxide, which may be reasonable in the short term, is by subsurface mineralisation (Bachu et al., 1996; Holloway, 1996; Wawersik et al., 2001). This entails the injection of CO2 into suitable subsurface rock formations where it will be, partly, converted into carbonates, and hence rendered immobile. Subsurface mineralisation generates extra CO2 storage potential, in addition to CO2 storage by hydrodynamic trapping, i.e. CO2 storage by dissolving carbon dioxide into the pore water. Research on subsurface mineralisation is the main focus of Work Package 4.1 of the Dutch national research programme CATO (CO2 capture, transport and storage).

CATO aims to build up a strong and coherent knowledge network, combined with adequate dissemination of knowledge, in the area of CO2 capture, transport and storage. This network will gather and validate knowledge, develop novel technologies for CO2 capture and storage, built up capacity to implement these technologies, and explore to which extent specific Clean Fossil Fuel options are acceptable to society.