Carbon Storage Frequently Asked Questions

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched its Carbon Storage Program in 1997. Implemented by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) within DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), the program plays a lead role in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology development and has made significant advances in the development of a broad range of effective and economically viable technologies. View the FAQ for more information about CCUS.

CARBON DIOXIDE 101

• What is carbon dioxide?
• What is the carbon cycle?
• What is the greenhouse effect?
• What are the primary sources of CO₂?
• What are people doing now to manage CO₂?

CARBON STORAGE

• What is carbon capture and storage?
• How can CO₂ be stored underground?
• How is CO₂ trapped in the subsurface?
• What are the characteristics of a subsurface storage complex?
• What are the different storage types for geologic CO₂ storage?
• What is DOE doing to demonstrate the commercial viability of CCUS?
• Where around the world is CO₂ storage happening today?

PERMANENCE AND SAFETY OF CCS

• How do we know that CO₂ storage is safe?
• How is a CO₂ storage site monitored?
• What regulations are in place to govern CO₂ injection(s)?
• How is the Federal government supporting the deployment of CCS technologies?