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Fri, December 13, 2024

Earthquakes and blowouts undermine case for carbon storage in Texas


Published on 2024-12-13 06:22:19 - Reuters
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  • Texas has seen surging interest from companies hoping to bury carbon dioxide in its oilfields, putting the state at the vanguard of a government-subsidized program to fight climate change.

The article from Reuters discusses how a series of earthquakes and blowouts in Texas are raising concerns about the safety and efficacy of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. These incidents, including a significant blowout at a Denbury Inc. facility in Satartia, Mississippi, in 2020, have led to increased scrutiny over the risks associated with storing carbon dioxide underground. Critics argue that these events highlight potential dangers such as induced seismicity and the possibility of CO2 leaks, which could undermine public trust and the environmental benefits of CCS. Despite these setbacks, proponents of CCS maintain that with proper regulation and technology, these risks can be managed, emphasizing the necessity of CCS to meet climate goals. However, the incidents have sparked a debate on the balance between environmental benefits and the potential hazards of such technology.

Read the Full Reuters Article at:
[ https://www.reuters.com/world/us/earthquakes-blowouts-undermine-case-carbon-storage-texas-2024-12-13/ ]

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