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Current Status and Reflections on Ocean CO 2 Sequestration: A Review

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  • Shanling Zhang

    (College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China
    Key Laboratory of Drilling and Exploitation Technology in Complex Conditions, Ministry of Natural Resources, Changchun 130026, China)

  • Sheng Jiang

    (College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China
    Key Laboratory of Drilling and Exploitation Technology in Complex Conditions, Ministry of Natural Resources, Changchun 130026, China)

  • Hongda Li

    (College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China
    Key Laboratory of Drilling and Exploitation Technology in Complex Conditions, Ministry of Natural Resources, Changchun 130026, China)

  • Peiran Li

    (College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China
    Key Laboratory of Drilling and Exploitation Technology in Complex Conditions, Ministry of Natural Resources, Changchun 130026, China)

  • Xiuping Zhong

    (College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China
    Key Laboratory of Drilling and Exploitation Technology in Complex Conditions, Ministry of Natural Resources, Changchun 130026, China)

  • Chen Chen

    (College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China
    Key Laboratory of Drilling and Exploitation Technology in Complex Conditions, Ministry of Natural Resources, Changchun 130026, China)

  • Guigang Tu

    (College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China
    Key Laboratory of Drilling and Exploitation Technology in Complex Conditions, Ministry of Natural Resources, Changchun 130026, China)

  • Xiang Liu

    (College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China
    Key Laboratory of Drilling and Exploitation Technology in Complex Conditions, Ministry of Natural Resources, Changchun 130026, China)

  • Zhenhua Xu

    (College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China
    Key Laboratory of Drilling and Exploitation Technology in Complex Conditions, Ministry of Natural Resources, Changchun 130026, China)

Abstract

Climate change has become one of the most pressing global challenges, with greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), being the primary drivers of global warming. To effectively address climate change, reducing carbon emissions has become an urgent task for countries worldwide. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies are regarded as crucial measures to combat climate change, among which ocean CO 2 sequestration has emerged as a promising approach. Recent reports from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicate that by 2060, CCUS technologies could contribute up to 14% of global cumulative carbon reductions, highlighting their significant potential in mitigating climate change. This review discusses the main technological pathways for ocean CO 2 sequestration, including oceanic water column sequestration, CO 2 oil and gas/coal seam geological sequestration, saline aquifer sequestration, and seabed methane hydrate sequestration. The current research status and challenges of these technologies are reviewed, with a particular focus on the potential of seabed methane hydrate sequestration, which offers a storage density of approximately 0.5 to 1.0 Gt per cubic kilometer of hydrate. This article delves into the formation mechanisms, stability conditions, and storage advantages of CO 2 hydrates. CO 2 sequestration via hydrates not only offers high storage density but also ensures long-term stability in the low-temperature, high-pressure conditions of the seabed, minimizing leakage risks. This makes it one of the most promising ocean CO 2 sequestration technologies. This paper also analyzes the difficulties faced by ocean CO 2 sequestration technologies, such as the kinetic limitations of hydrate formation and leakage monitoring during the sequestration process. Finally, this paper looks ahead to the future development of ocean CO 2 sequestration technologies, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for optimizing their application and promoting a low-carbon economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Shanling Zhang & Sheng Jiang & Hongda Li & Peiran Li & Xiuping Zhong & Chen Chen & Guigang Tu & Xiang Liu & Zhenhua Xu, 2025. "Current Status and Reflections on Ocean CO 2 Sequestration: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-28, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:4:p:942-:d:1592371
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