CO2 capture and storage in geological formations (CCS) can provide a significant option to minimizing human-induced climate change and acidification of surface waters in a world where economic vitality will depend on fossil fuels for the next decades.

Two key challenges must be met for CCS to be applied responsibly. First, new technologies for capturing CO2 (or simply carbon) must reach a level of reliability that investors, plant operators and stakeholders can be comfortable with. Second, although several commercial scale projects currently store CO2 in geological reservoirs, none of these projects have been subjected to a formal review performed by independent verifiers.

Furthermore, formal regimes for quality control of projects whose aim is to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases have still not included CCS in their list of approved technology solutions. One important factor in this process is the lack of a generally recognized verification protocol that is fit-for-purpose for CCS projects. DNV Research & Innovation participates in several research and development projects with external partners in the EU area and in North America who together strive to meet the challenges of CCS. This will encourage responsible application of CO2 geological storage.