An innovative study published by Chemical Engineering Journal, suggests that storing CO under the ocean floor is no longer just a theory. Thanks to recent laboratory experiments, this technology is emerging as a promising solution for reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, opening new avenues for climate change mitigation.
How CO storage in the oceans works
Imagine an ice cube, but with a special feature: inside it, instead of air, carbon dioxide is trapped. This is the principle behind CO2, solid hydrates which are formed by combining carbon dioxide and water under high pressure and low-temperature conditions, such as those existing in the deep ocean.
According to the researchers, these hydrates could be created at a depth of about 1 km, where pressure and temperature promote their stability. Recent studies by a team led by Professor Praveen Linga at the National University of Singapore have shown that up to 184 cubic meters of CO2 can be trapped in just one cubic meter of hydrates, with potential applications on a large scale.
Climate and ecological benefits
Deep storage of CO could be a breakthrough in the fight against climate change. Key benefits include:
- Reducing global warming: Removing large amounts of CO from the atmosphere helps slow down the rise in temperatures.
- Protection of ocean ecosystems: Lower concentrations of CO help reduce acidification in the oceans, thus protecting marine biodiversity.
- Mitigation of environmental effects: Climate stabilization also benefits agriculture, public health and terrestrial ecosystems.
Costs and challenges
Time and investment will be required to commercialize this technology. Professor Linga said it would take 3-5 years to reach a large-scale application stage, subject to obtaining environmental permits and collaboration with industry. Current costs for transport and injection of CO are estimated at between 5 and 30 dollars per tonne, but further pilot studies could significantly reduce these costs.
A promising solution for the future
Storage technology in ocean hydrates is based on a natural mechanism already observed in methane hydrates, which remain trapped in sediments for millions of years. If progress continues, this methodology could become a key pillar in achieving carbon neutrality by the middle of the century, as the IPCC has hoped. Investing in innovative technologies like this is not only a technical challenge, but also an opportunity to adopt large-scale solutions that respect the planet. With the potential to capture over 100,000 gigatons of CO2, this technique could make a decisive contribution to a more sustainable future.
Cover image: photo by Matt Hardy via Unsplash