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Study published in the journal Earth Science indicates that eight geological formations in the United Kingdom can retain industrial CO₂ for decades by transforming the gas into solid minerals underground.
The United Kingdom may have found an alternative to deal with industrial emissions by identifying volcanic rocks capable of storing industrial carbon for decades. The discovery, published in the journal Earth Science, Systems and Society, indicates that these geological formations can retain between 42 million and 38 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂). The method involves capturing the gas, injecting it underground, and transforming it into solid minerals, reducing the risk of release into the atmosphere, as reported by Olhar Digital.
Estimated capacity draws researchers’ attention
The numbers presented in the study indicate significant potential. In the intermediate scenario, eight evaluated geological formations could absorb the equivalent of about 45 years of the country’s industrial emissions.
The calculation takes into account data from 2017, when the United Kingdom recorded approximately 72 million tons of CO₂ from industry.
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Among the analyzed areas, some stand out for the estimated volumes:
- Antrim Lava Group (Northern Ireland): about 1.4 billion tons, potentially reaching 17 billion
- Northwest England: approximately 700 million tons
- West Scotland: about 600 million tons
These results reinforce the potential distributed across the territory.
Where are the formations?
The regions with the greatest storage capacity are located in different areas of the country.
Researchers point out three main zones with favorable conditions:
- Northern Ireland
- Northwest England
- West Scotland
In these locations, thick layers of volcanic rocks are positioned at suitable depths to store and react with carbon. Additionally, some of these formations have large continuous extensions, which increases the volume available for large-scale use.
The technique’s operation depends on a sequence of steps. Initially, carbon dioxide is captured from industrial sources. Then, it is dissolved in water and injected underground. As it travels through cracks and pores in the rocks, the fluid comes into contact with minerals rich in iron and magnesium.
This contact triggers mineralization, a process that transforms CO₂ into solid compounds, such as carbonates. This conversion makes storage safer, as it drastically reduces the possibility of the gas returning to the atmosphere.
Types of rocks favor storage
The efficiency of the method is directly linked to the composition of the rocks. In the United Kingdom, researchers identified formations with ideal characteristics for this type of reaction.
Among the main types are:
- Mafic rocks, which have high levels of iron and magnesium
- Ultramafic rocks, even richer in these elements
These chemical properties facilitate the formation of stable minerals, essential for keeping carbon trapped underground.
UK volcanic rocks as a climate alternative
The discovery emerges as a possible complementary solution to tackle industrial emissions. This is especially relevant for sectors such as cement, steel, and chemicals, which face greater difficulties in completely reducing their emissions.
According to researchers, geological storage does not replace other reduction measures, but it can help deal with carbon that still needs to be controlled. Should practical application confirm the results, the country could assume a relevant role as a natural carbon reservoir.
Limitations still need to be evaluated
Despite the identified potential, scientists emphasize that the data is theoretical. Over time, chemical reactions can alter the rock structure, reducing the available space for storage.
Furthermore, not all identified volume can be used in practice, as part of the formations may not be accessible.
Other factors also need to be considered:
- Economic viability
- Regulation
- Public acceptance
- Technical exploration conditions
Field tests are next steps
Before any implementation, more detailed studies will need to be carried out in the identified areas. These tests include drilling, fluid flow analysis, and mapping of underground fractures.
These steps will indicate whether carbon dioxide can circulate and react efficiently within the rocks, as well as define which areas are truly usable.
Source: Olhar Digital
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