Risks Associated With Subsurface CO2 Sequestration

CO2 injection problems

• Leakage of injected CO2 through natural pathways (fractures, faults etc.) over tens to hundreds of years

Caprock degradation

CO2 breakthrough

• Seals and aquitards cannot confine large amounts of over-pressured fluids

• Diffuse leakage of gas at surface

• Pressurization of brine-bearing formations: leakage of brine into shallow potable water sources

• Leakage through improperly abandoned or cemented well bores that could create asphyxiation hazards

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