Ecologo-economic assessment of burial technologies for greenhouse gas emissions in underground geological spaces

Abstract

In view of the available essential storage resources and capacities to reduce carbon footprint, Russia considers prospects for application of projects and technologies connected with burial of greenhouse gas emissions in underground geological spaces as low-carbon economy develops. The scope of the analysis embraces approaches and technologies on reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, including enhancement of energy efficiency of economy, use of renewable energy sources, utilization of solid domestic waste in power generation and arrangement of carbon fields for carbon dioxide sorption by forests and landscapes. The prerequisites and constraints of using the CCUS technologies are identified. Regarding burial of greenhouse gas emissions, the constraints include high expenses and the absence of the effective maintenance and control. For the assessment of the attractiveness and efficiency of carbon emission management projects, the article discusses benefits of increased oil recovery due to reservoir performance stimulation by carbon dioxide injection, greenhouse emission quotas and imposition of carbon tax. The ecological and economic efficiency of carbon emission management and burial project is illustrated in the context of climate change and energy transition. It is suggested to measure carbon footprint per economy sectors connected with greenhouse gas emissions (power generation, metallurgy, mining, etc.) with a view to promoting carbon neutrality of production on the basis of specific cost of reduction and management of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as from calculation of possible loss and damage because of greenhouse gas emissions and climate changes.  The study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation, Project No. 21-18-00500 Institutional Engineering of Monotowns in the Arctic—Modernization and Sustainable Development.