Geologic carbon dioxide sequestration methods, opportunities, and impacts

Abstract

Combustion of fossil fuel mostly derived originally from plant matter provides more than 80% of the energy that maintains the modern standard of living and accounts for nearly all of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions that now significantly exceed the amount of CO₂ required for plant life. Development of alternative non-fossil energy resources that at least keep up with the overall increase in energy demand can stop the continued increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration, thereby reaching the often-cited goal for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions without the need to stop fossil fuel combustion. However, increasing combustion of fossil fuel partly satisfies increasing energy demand and maintains fossil fuel dominance in the energy supply. Geologic sequestration of CO₂ from stationary point source capture could mitigate nearly half of combustion emissions. As well, sequestering CO₂ acquired through direct air capture of atmospheric CO₂ could balance emissions from moving sources primarily related to transportation.