Carbon capture and storage
BGS Research
BGS is recognised as a European centre of excellence for the study of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage. We have a dedicated carbon capture and storage (CCS) team that is active in a number of research areas including:
- characterisation and capacity estimation of potential underground storage reservoirs
- potential chemical interactions of injected CO2 with the surrounding rocks
- storage site monitoring technologies and integrated monitoring strategies
- assessment of long-term site performance, including evaluating consequences of potential leakage
The coal-fired power station at Ratcliffe-on-Soar, Nottinghamshire. Power stations such as this emit million of tonnes of CO2 every year. © BGS/UKRI.
See our Discovering Geology pages for an introduction to carbon capture and storage.
Carbon capture and storage research at BGS.
CO2 storage database
CO2 Stored is a national asset, identifying a geological storage potential of over 70 billion tonnes of storage deep under the UK seabed. The UK is the first country in the world to provide this information online. CO2 Stored is hosted and developed by the BGS in partnership with The Crown Estate.
Contact
If you want to discover more then please contact Jonathan Pearce.
Find out more about our research
CO2 storage capacity estimation
Providing a realistic, defensible and fully auditable estimate of the storage capacity of geological formations below the UK’s coastal waters assists in the licensing of CO2 storage sites.
CCS long-term performance
We are undertaking research that will help to ensure the safe and long-term storage of CO2.
CCS monitoring
Regulations require monitoring before starting operations at a CO2 storage site.
Carbon storage site characterisation
Successful storage operations require rigorous site characterisation focused on risk reduction for selected storage sites.
Related news
Could underground disposal of carbon dioxide help to reduce India’s emissions?
28/01/2025
BGS geologists have partnered with research institutes in India to explore the potential for carbon capture and storage, with an emphasis on storage.
BGS adds more than 60 new carbon dioxide storage units to its national carbon dioxide storage database
30/01/2024
BGS has delivered its first major update of the national carbon dioxide storage database, CO2 Stored.
Understanding long-term burial of organic carbon deposits
07/11/2022
Carbon sequestration is one method of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, by capturing and storing it, contributing to climate change reduction.
Identifying the science challenges for UK carbon storage
07/07/2022
A new report underlines importance of community engagement in achieving the UK national climate change targets.
Important new report outlines status of geological storage of carbon dioxide in Europe
22/12/2021
The latest news on the status of geological storage of carbon dioxide in Europe is outlined in a comprehensive new report from CO2GeoNet.
Standardised framework provides assessment of carbon dioxide storage site readiness
28/10/2021
Geoscientists have developed a practical framework for assessing the degree of ’readiness’ of a prospective carbon dioxide storage site.
Making recommendations for the management of carbon dioxide storage and unconventional hydrocarbon extraction sites
04/10/2021
The safe operation of geoenergy and subsurface storage sites is required to help meet net zero carbon ambitions.
BGS to help further carbon dioxide monitoring research at Sutton Bonington
03/08/2021
BGS is part of a research project that will consider the feasibility of using quantum gravity sensors to monitor carbon capture and storage sites.
BGS part of successful Energy Research Accelerator to put Midlands region on the road to net zero
08/06/2021
The consortium of internationally-recognised research institutions will bring together expertise in energy research to help the UK to meet its ambitious net zero targets
CO2 storage testbed: working with the industrial clusters
28/05/2021
Carbon capture, usage and storage will play a significant role in the UK achieving national emissions reduction targets
CO2 storage testbed consultation
30/03/2021
BGS and NERC are now seeking views on possible research priorities for a potential new storage testbed
Going underground
04/02/2021
Why the subsurface is vital in delivering a net zero carbon economy.
You may also be interested in
Hydrocarbon systems
Working with UK and overseas governments to provide geological and oil prospectivity advice.
Energy storage
Continuing BGS’s sustained track record of energy storage research, which will underpin future laboratory, field and GIS-based activities and commissions.