North Sea sandstone could be used for carbon dioxide storage

SANDSTONE beneath the North Sea could be used to store carbon dioxide, a new study has claimed.

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A scientist looking at data for carbon capture in North Sea sandstone

(BGS/PA WIRE)

The British Geological Survey (BGS) report shows how sandstone beneath the North Sea could assist with the UK’s plans for carbon capture and storage (CCS).

CCS encompasses a range of technologies designed to significantly reduce emissions from large industrial sources such as steelworks, cement plants and thermal power stations.

It works by capturing carbon dioxide at the source, transporting it and then injecting it into suitable rock formations deep beneath the surface, typically at depths of more than 800 metres.

BGS geologists are working to better understand the subsurface geology of the central North Sea and its suitability for storing carbon dioxide captured from industrial sources.