Volcanic rocks in the UK can store up to 38 billion tonnes of CO₂ underground, a study finds

Written by Ruth Rodrigues

Published on 05/05/2026 at 14:04

Updated on 05/05/2026 at 14:05

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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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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.

Map of identified mafic and ultramafic formations (labeled A to U) through filtering of the British Geological Survey (BGS) bedrock geology in Phase I of the screening process. Labeling in purple and green indicates locations with mafic and ultramafic bedrock geology, respectively. Photo: BGS/UKRI © 2007.

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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Volcanic rocks in the UK can store up to 38 billion tonnes of CO₂ underground, a study finds

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.

Estimated capacity draws researchers’ attention

Where are the formations?

Types of rocks favor storage

UK volcanic rocks as a climate alternative

Limitations still need to be evaluated

Field tests are next steps

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Volcanic rocks in the UK can store up to 38 billion tonnes of CO₂ underground, a study finds

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.

Estimated capacity draws researchers’ attention

Where are the formations?

Types of rocks favor storage

UK volcanic rocks as a climate alternative

Limitations still need to be evaluated

Field tests are next steps

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