Accelerating the offshore CCUS to carbon-neutral China.

Area of Science:

• Geological Sciences
• Environmental Engineering
• Climate Change Mitigation

Background:

• Anthropogenic CO2 emissions pose a significant threat to the atmosphere.
• Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is a key technological strategy for decarbonization.
• Offshore CCUS involves capturing CO2 and storing it in sub-seabed geological reservoirs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the necessity and suitability of offshore CCUS in China.
• To assess the potential of China's offshore sedimentary basins as carbon sinks.
• To explore opportunities for developing a commercial offshore CCUS value chain.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and data on CO2 emissions and geological storage capacity.
• Analysis of China's coastal regions' emission data (4.2 Gt annually, 41% of national total).
• Estimation of offshore sedimentary basin storage capacity (573-779 GtCO2).

Main Results:

• China's offshore basins have a substantial CO2 storage capacity, estimated at 573-779 GtCO2.
• This capacity can accommodate 140-190 years of emissions from China's coastal regions.
• Offshore CCUS avoids complex legal regulations and public opposition associated with onshore storage.

Conclusions:

• Offshore CCUS presents a significant opportunity for China's decarbonization efforts.
• Substantial economic challenges and the need for technological innovation, national support, and investment are critical for commercial deployment.
• Focus on eastern and southeastern coastal regions is essential for developing offshore CCUS.