Geothermal Energy and CO₂ Storage

Technical Review

1 August 2010

Ludmilla Basava-Reddi

Citation: IEAGHG, "Geothermal Energy and CO₂ Storage", 2010-TR3, August 2010.

Publication Overview

This report summarises the main issues related to potential conflicts and possible synergies between geothermal activities and CO₂ geological storage, for the purpose of finding what further research into this area will be necessary and what further steps could be taken by IEAGHG. The majority of the information in the report is largely based on a conference held by the GFZ in Potsdam on Geothermal Energy and CO₂ Storage: Synergy or Competition, which was largely focussed on European issues and did not cover an overall global perspective. There are two principal types of geothermal energy, the traditional hydrothermal, which mines heat using the in-situ geothermal waters and Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), where alternate methods are used to mine the heat. This can involve the fracturing of a low permeability rock to increase fluid flow, as in a Hot Dry Rock System.

Publication Summary

More research is needed on the possible synergies and conflicts of geothermal activities and CO₂ storage, especially in regards to using formations at different depths for different activities. If the European experience of limited overlap is repeated elsewhere in the world there will only be niche opportunities for synergy, but this is not known nor is it known or if it can be used more widely and be possible on a larger scale.

Download Publication

Access the complete publication in PDF format.

Download Now

Related Publications

View similar publications.

View All Publications

Technical Report

Evolution of Conformance and Containment Risk Over Time in CO2 Storage Projects – The Link to Post Closure Stewardship and Handover

26 March 2026
Storage

Technical Review

Risk Management and Monitoring Networks Combined Meeting Report

15 January 2026
Event Proceedings
Storage

Two IEAGHG expert networks, the Risk Management Network and the Monitoring Network, held a combined meeting from 27th to 28th August 2025 in The Hague, The Netherlands. Both networks have been convening for 20 years, and this meeting, hosted by Shell at the Shell Centre, represented the 11th Risk Management and the 15th Monitoring meeting.

Technical Report

CO2 Transport and Storage Availability

28 November 2025
Storage
Transport

The objective of this study is to investigate realistic rates of CO2 Transport and Storage operational availability that may be achievable for future systems, with a focus primarily on pipeline transportation and storage within sedimentary basins (saline aquifers and depleted fields).

Technical Report

CO2 Transport and Storage Cost Review

9 October 2025
Costs of CCUS
Storage
Transport

The objective of the study was to review publicly available information on CO2 transport and storage (T&S) costs, to provide insights into how typical cost estimates are built up and to inform on areas of risk. Current information on T&S costs and the need for new or improved data would be explored.

Technical Report

Review of CO2 storage via in-situ mineralisation in mafic-ultramafic rocks

22 August 2025
Storage

This report evaluates progress, barriers, and knowledge gaps, and provides stakeholders, regulators, and investors with a comprehensive summary of current knowledge and understanding of subsurface carbon mineralisation in mafic-ultramafic reservoirs.

Technical Report

Reviewing the implications of unlikely but potential CO2 migration to the surface or shallow subsurface

29 January 2025
Storage

CO2 leakage from geological storage is considered unlikely. However, it is important to understand environmental and health risks to ensure appropriate mitigation and monitoring is established.

Technical Review

7th International Workshop on Offshore Geologic CO2 Storage

23 January 2025
Event Proceedings
Storage

The 7th International Workshop on Offshore Geologic CO2 storage was held in Port Arthur, TX, on September 17-18th 2025.

Technical Report

Geological Storage of CO₂: Seal Integrity Review

10 September 2024
Storage

This comprehensive seal integrity review, undertaken by CO₂CRC on behalf of IEAGHG, provides a detailed, updated exploration of the critical aspects of seal potential in the context of the geological storage of CO₂.

Technical Review

Insurance Coverage for CO₂ Storage Projects

16 August 2024
Industry Insights
Storage

This report is a focused review of recent developments regarding insurance coverage for carbon dioxide (CO₂) geological storage projects. It seeks to address the following: what companies are offering or planning to offer insurance to CO₂ storage projects, what is the scope and duration of the coverage offered, and does coverage extend to the transportation of CO₂ to the project site? This work and report was prepared by Franz Hiebert.

Technical Report

Managing the transition of depleted oil and gas fields to CO₂ storage

12 August 2024
Policy & Regulation
Storage

This work provides a careful and thorough exploration of the major issues involved in the transfer of use of a field from hydrocarbon extraction to CO₂ storage, to identify both the pros and cons of such a transition.

Our most recent publications

Our authoritative, peer-reviewed publications cover topics that include carbon capture, transport, storage, monitoring, regulation, and more.

View All Publications

Technical Report

Evolution of Conformance and Containment Risk Over Time in CO2 Storage Projects – The Link to Post Closure Stewardship and Handover

26 March 2026
Storage

Technical Report

Modular Approaches to CO2 Capture Technologies

24 March 2026
Capture

The status and potential of the modular carbon capture plant construction, targeting the power and industry sectors.

Technical Report

Guidance for Agreements to Transport CO2 Across National Boundaries Under the London Protocol

19 March 2026
Policy & Regulation
Transport

This study sets out a process to support Parties in developing agreements for cross-border CO₂ transport under the London Protocol.

Technical Report

Air Quality Implications of Post-Combustion Capture in Industrial Processes

19 March 2026
Capture

An assessment of the air pollutant implications of CCS retrofit in heavy industry compared to baseline emissions.

Technical Review

8th Post Combustion Capture Conference Summary

10 March 2026
Capture
Event Proceedings

Technical Review

Risk Management and Monitoring Networks Combined Meeting Report

15 January 2026
Event Proceedings
Storage

Technical Report

CO2 Transport and Storage Availability

28 November 2025
Storage
Transport

Technical Review

1st Meeting of the Network of National CCUS Centres of Excellence (NNCCE)

3 November 2025
Event Proceedings

The inaugural meeting of the Network of National CCUS Centres of Excellence (NNCCE) was held virtually on 30 July 2025, bringing together over 20 representatives from leading CCUS institutions across the Global South.

Technical Review

Artificial Intelligence in Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage 2025 Workshop

30 October 2025
Event Proceedings
Industry Insights

The IEAGHG AI in CCUS Workshop, held virtually on 29–30 April 2025, was convened to foster a deeper understanding of the role artificial intelligence (AI) can play in advancing carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).

Technical Report

CO2 Transport and Storage Cost Review

9 October 2025
Costs of CCUS
Storage
Transport

Get the latest CCS news and insights

Get essential news and updates from the CCS sector and the IEAGHG by email.

Can’t find what you are looking for?

Whatever you would like to know, our dedicated team of experts is here to help you. Just drop us an email and we will get back to you as soon as we can.