A proposed global layout of carbon capture and storage in line with a 2 °C climate target

A straightforward global layout of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is imperative for limiting global warming well below 2 degrees C. Here, we propose a cost-effective strategy for matching carbon sources and sinks on a global scale. Results show 3,093 carbon clusters and 432 sinks in 85 countries and regions are selected to achieve 92 GtCO(2) mitigation by CCUS, 64% of which will be sequestered into sedimentary basins for aquifer storage and 36% will be used for CO2-EOR (enhanced oil recovery). Of the identified source-sink matching, 80% are distributed within 300 km and are mainly located in China, the United States, the European Union, Russia and India. The total cost is similar to 0.12% of global cumulative gross domestic product. Of countries with CO2-EOR, 75% will turn into profitable at the oil price over US$100 per barrel. These findings indicate our proposed layout is economically feasible. However, its implementation requires global collaboration on financial and technological transfer.

Automated summary

A global layout for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is crucial for limiting global warming, with a proposed strategy matching carbon sources and sinks in 85 countries and regions. The findings show economic feasibility with identified carbon clusters and sinks, but global collaboration is needed for implementation.