Academics solve problem of sealing carbon dioxide leaks

ACADEMICS from Heriot-Watt University's Institute of Petroleum Engineering have developed technology which identifies and seals leaks that could occur in carbon dioxide storage sites.

The development is designed for companies looking to develop geological carbon dioxide storage sites.

When implemented commercially, the technology could be worth tens of millions of pounds and be crucial in the fight against climate change.

Funding from a number of major oil and gas and power companies has been secured, and a three-year Joint Industry Project (JIP), paving the way for large scale field trials of the technology, has started.

Project director Professor Mehran Sohrabi said: "The North Sea has the capacity to store more than 200 years of CO2 for the whole of Western Europe. We believe that we have now solved the problem of how to seal cracks or fissures in the porous rock.

"It is a huge step forward for carbon capture and storage, and one that could see Scotland established as a world leader."