1 research outputs found
Co-Location of Air Capture, Subseafloor CO<sub>2</sub> Sequestration, and Energy Production on the Kerguelen Plateau
Reducing
atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> using a combination of air
capture and offshore geological storage can address technical and
policy concerns with climate mitigation. Because CO<sub>2</sub> mixes
rapidly in the atmosphere, air capture could operate anywhere and
in principle reduce CO<sub>2</sub> to preindustrial levels. We investigate
the Kerguelen plateau in the Indian Ocean, which offers steady wind
resources, vast subseafloor storage capacities, and minimal risk of
economic damages or human inconvenience and harm. The efficiency of
humidity swing driven air capture under humid and windy conditions
is tested in the laboratory. Powered by wind, we estimate ∼75
Mt CO<sub>2</sub>/yr could be collected using air capture and sequestered
below seafloor or partially used for synfuel. Our analysis suggests
that Kerguelen offers a remote and environmentally secure location
for CO<sub>2</sub> sequestration using renewable energy. Regional
reservoirs could hold over 1500 Gt CO<sub>2</sub>, sequestering a
large fraction of 21st century emissions