Geological CO2 Storage Safety: A Comprehensive Review of Leakage Risks, Assessment Methods, and Mitigation Strategies

Hao Xue

doi:10.6911/WSRJ.202609_12(9).0021

Authors

Hao Xue University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6911/WSRJ.202609_12(9).0021

Keywords:

Geological CO₂ storage; trapping mechanisms; risk assessment; Source–Pathway–Receptor framework.

Abstract

Anthropogenic CO₂ emissions elevate atmospheric carbon levels and induce severe global climate risks, as documented in IPCC assessment reports. Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is critical for climate mitigation, yet large‑scale geological CO₂ storage deployment is hindered by incomplete understanding of time‑dependent trapping behaviours and non‑standardized risk‑assessment protocols. This review aims to synthesize recent advances in geological carbon storage and deliver practical technical references for site‑related engineering practice. Four typical geological storage formations are reviewed, and the temporal evolution of multiple CO₂ trapping mechanisms is analysed to interpret long‑term sequestration stability. Representative risk‑assessment workflows, including the SPR framework, probabilistic leakage evaluation, numerical simulation and uncertainty analysis are systematically compiled. Results reveal that structural, residual, solubility and mineral trapping exhibit time‑varying relative contributions governing reservoir‑specific storage security; coupled deterministic‑probabilistic risk workflows mitigate decision biases during site screening. This review provides actionable guidance for site screening, monitoring deployment and regulatory compliance, supporting safe large‑scale implementation of geological CO₂ storage within CCUS systems.

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