QICS Paper: A novel sub-seabed CO2 release experiment informing monitoring and impact assessment for geological carbon storage

Carbon capture and storage is a mitigation strategy that can be used to aid the reduction of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. This process aims to capture CO2 from large point-source emitters and transport it to a long-term storage site. For much of Europe, these deep storage sites are anticipated to be sited below the sea bed on continental shelves. A key operational requirement is an understanding of best practice of monitoring for potential leakage and of the environmental impact that could result from a diffusive leak from a storage complex. Here we describe a controlled CO2 release experiment beneath the seabed, which overcomes the limitations of laboratory simulations and natural analogues. The complex processes involved in setting up the experimental facility and ensuring its successful operation are discussed, including site selection, permissions, communications and facility construction. The experimental design and observational strategy are reviewed with respect to scientific outcomes along with lessons learnt in order to facilitate any similar future. This is a publication in QICS Special Issue - International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, Peter Taylor et. al. Doi:10.1016/j.ijggc.2014.09.007.碳捕获与封存（Carbon Capture and Storage）是一种可用于助力减少人为二氧化碳排放的减缓策略。该工艺旨在从大型点源排放源捕获二氧化碳，并将其运输至长期封存场址。对于欧洲大部分地区而言，这些深部封存场址预计将选址于大陆架的海床下方。一项关键的运营要求是，需掌握针对潜在泄漏的最佳监测实践，以及封存综合体发生扩散性泄漏可能带来的环境影响相关认知。本文介绍了一项海床下方的受控二氧化碳释放实验，该实验弥补了实验室模拟与天然类似物研究的局限。本文讨论了搭建实验设施并保障其成功运行所涉及的复杂流程，包括场址遴选、许可审批、沟通协调与设施建设。结合科研成果与实践经验教训，本文对实验设计与观测策略进行了综述，以期为未来同类研究提供参考。本成果发表于《国际温室气体控制期刊》QICS特刊，作者为Peter Taylor等人，DOI：10.1016/j.ijggc.2014.09.007。