CO2 capture via subsurface mineralization geological settings and engineering perspectives towards long-term storage and decarbonization in the Middle East
P. Kumari, Rihab Yahmadi, Fatima Mumtaz, Lourdes F. Vega, Andrea Ceriani, Riccardo Tribuzio, Ludovic F. Dumée, Alessandro Decarlis
Abstract
• Mineralogy relationship to both in situ and ex situ carbonation processes are discussed. • Geological setting of the Middle East and Gulf cooperation countries is considered. • Review of scale-up and challenges towards net zero implementation is discussed. • Life cycle assessment review of the bottlenecks and potential enablers are proposed. Mineral carbonation or mineralization of CO 2 using rocks or waste industrial materials is emerging as a viable carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, especially for smaller and medium-scale emitters where geological sequestration is not feasible. During mineralization processes, CO 2 chemically reacts with alkaline earth metals in waste materials or rocks to form stable and non-toxic carbonates In situ mineral carbonation holds promise due to ample resources and enhanced security. However, it is still in its early stages, with higher transport and storage costs compared to geological storage in sedimentary basins. Ex situ mineral carbonation has shown promise at pilot and demonstration scales, but its widespread application is hindered by high costs, ranging from US$50-US$300/ton of sequestered CO 2 . This review delves into the current progress of proposed mineralization technologies and their potential in reducing the overall cost of CO 2 sequestration. The discussion critically analyzes various factors affecting carbonation reactions, such as temperature, pressure, leaching agents, solid-to-liquid ratio, and mineralogy for geological settings relevant to the Middle East and the net-zero strategy established within Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC). Furthermore, the potential commercialization of mineral carbonation, emphasizing the importance of reducing energy consumption and production costs to make the process economically viable is highlighted, offering directions for circular economy and mineral carbonation as a substantial carbon mitigation tool in the Middle East region. Life Cycle Assessment and Techno-Economic Analysis) was also reviewed to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the environmental and economic implications of a CO 2 capture via subsurface mineralization