Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage in the MENA Region: A Regional Review of Projects and Challenges

Abstract

Climate change poses a severe threat to both the environment and human health, manifesting in floods, droughts, global warming, and food and energy security threats. This threat arises from the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), especially carbon dioxide (CO₂). The challenge lies in effectively managing and utilizing CO₂ by reducing atmospheric carbon footprints and integrating CO₂ into the energy value chain in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where the prominent oil and gas industry and the transition to renewable energy sources are emerging. Thus, understanding the progress in carbon management is crucial. The carboniferous geological formations in this region present promising prospects for CO₂ storage, emphasizing the permanence of sequestration and the potential for enhancing oil recovery and economic diversification. This review systematically examines the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) life cycle, including CO₂ emissions, CCUS technologies, research and development (R&D) trends, and policy frameworks in the MENA region. Furthermore, it discusses the main challenges in implementing CCUS projects in a larger scale in this region. The modularized approach of this analysis is motivated by the absence of a comprehensive review for this region. It aims to provide strategic insights into the region’s global standing in the rapid growth of environmental responsibility.