Leakage of carbon dioxide from a simulated subseabed Carbon Capture and Storage reservoir

: potential impacts on benthic biogeochemistry

Abstract

Carbon Capture and Storage is a nascent technology developed with the intention of collecting carbon dioxide emissions from the flue gasses of point source producers, such as power stations or cement works. The carbon dioxide is then stored in underground geological reservoirs so that it does not reach the atmosphere, reducing the rate at which greenhouse gasses accumulate and influence climate change. However, as with all nascent technologies, the benefits of these developments and concepts must be weighed against the risks of serious and long-term environmental impact should an accidental release occur. The aim of this thesis is to study the potential for environmental damage caused by a release of carbon dioxide into the marine environment from a sub-seabed carbon dioxide reservoir generated through
carbon capture and storage development. The quantification of the rate of change caused by such an accidental release of carbon dioxide will be studied, as will the rate at which natural conditions are re-established upon cessation of the release.

Date of Award	9 Jun 2015
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Edinburgh
Sponsors	ESF PRA
Supervisor	Henrik Stahl (Supervisor), John Howe (Supervisor) & Kenny Black (Supervisor)