Rock and Soil Mechanics ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (1): 1-26.doi: 10.16285/j.rsm.2025.0277

• Fundamental Theory and Experimental Research •     Next Articles

Leakage from large-scale CO2 geological storage: problems, consequences, and control — a review and perspective

BAI Bing1, HAO Min1, 2, LEI Hong-wu1, YANG Heng-tao1, LI Cai3, 4   

  1. 1. State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Safety, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China; 2. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; 3. Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, China; 4. Technology Innovation Center for Carbon Sequestration and Geological Energy Storage, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing 100037, China
  • Received:2025-03-16 Accepted:2025-05-09 Online:2026-01-11 Published:2026-01-07
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by the Key Project of the Geology Joint Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U2344226).

Abstract: Geological storage of carbon dioxide (CO2), a core component of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), is a key strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. However, the continuous expansion of storage capacity increases the risk of CO2 leakage, posing significant challenges to the safety and effectiveness of storage projects. Firstly, this study provides a comprehensive review of leakage issues and research progress in large-scale CO2 geological storage. We examine the primary leakage pathways and their underlying physical, chemical, and geological mechanisms, emphasizing wellbores, faults/fractures, and caprocks as critical conduits. We summarize the cascading effects of CO2 leakage, highlighting its potential impacts on groundwater, soil microorganisms, vegetation, and climate change. Then, we discuss recent advances in leakage monitoring and risk assessment, underscoring the roles of multi-source sensing, intelligent data analysis, and multi-scale coupled models. Furthermore, we review the progress of leakage control and remediation technologies, including cement-based materials, polymer gels, biomineralization, foam injection, and nanotechnology, while identifying limitations regarding long-term stability and large-scale applicability. Finally, we propose future research directions that focus on identifying leakage mechanisms, multi-source monitoring, intelligent early-warning systems, and rapid-response remediation strategies tailored to complex geological conditions, aiming to establish an integrated full-cycle leakage prevention and management framework.

Key words: CO2 geological storage, leakage mechanism, environmental impact, monitoring means, risk control, repair technology

CLC Number: 

  • TE 822
[1] MA Ji-yuan, CHENG Guo-qiang, LI Xia-ying, YANG Ling-xue, LI Qi, MA Jing, CHEN Bo-wen, YANG Chuan-feng, ZHANG Yao, LI Feng-yang, YU Tao, HU Ting, XU Zong-hong, ZHONG Yi-yan, . Influencing factors of caprock sealing performance for multi-layer CO2 injection [J]. Rock and Soil Mechanics, 2024, 45(11): 3447-3460.
[2] ZHAO Yan, YANG Liu, XI Ru-ru, GENG Zhen-kun, ZHANG Qian, MA Xiong-de, . CO2-H2O two-phase displacement characteristics of low permeability core using nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging techniques [J]. Rock and Soil Mechanics, 2023, 44(6): 1636-1644.
[3] ZHANG Qiang, LI Xiao-chun, ZHOU Ying-bo, SHI Lu, BAI Bing, . Shear behavior of the Triassic sandstone in Sichuan under high pore pressure of H2O/CO2 conditions [J]. Rock and Soil Mechanics, 2019, 40(8): 3028-3036.
[4] WU Hai-qing, BAI Bing, LI Xiao-chun, LIU Ming-ze, HE Yuan-yuan, . Analytical model of fluid pressure evolution in the reservoir for CO2 geological storage [J]. , 2018, 39(6): 2099-2105.
[5] LI Kai-da, HU Shao-bin, LI Xiao-chun, WU Jian, FAN Qing-yi, WU Hai-qing,. Influence of single-phase fluid on strength characteristics of sandstone [J]. , 2018, 39(5): 1789-1795.
[6] LI Xiao-chun, YUAN Wei, BAI Bing,. A review of numerical simulation methods for geomechanical problems induced by CO2 geological storage [J]. , 2016, 37(6): 1762-1772.
[7] XIE Jian , ZHANG Ke-ni , WANG Yong-sheng , QIN Li-qing , GUO Chao-bin,. Performance assessment of CO2 geological storage in deep saline aquifers in Ordos Basin, China [J]. , 2016, 37(1): 166-174.
[8] KUANG Dong-qin , LI Qi , WANG Yong-sheng , WANG Xiu-jie , LIN Qing , WEI Xiao-chen , SONG Ran-ran,. Numerical simulation of distribution of migration of CO2 in Shenhua carbon capture and storage demonstration project [J]. , 2014, 35(9): 2623-2633.
[9] YANG Duo-xing ,LI Qi ,WANG Shu,. Numerical analysis of propagation of pore pressure waves in compressible fluid saturated porous media [J]. , 2014, 35(7): 2047-2056.
[10] XU Peng-fei ,LI Yao-liang ,XU Wei,. Field measurement and analysis of influence of jacked open caisson construction on environments [J]. , 2014, 35(4): 1084-1094.
[11] WANG Wei-dong, WANG Hao-ran, XU Zhong-hua. Study of parameters of HS-Small model used in numerical analysis of excavations in Shanghai area [J]. , 2013, 34(6): 1766-1774.
[12] ZHOU Zong-qing ,LI Shu-cai ,LI Li-ping ,SUI Bin ,SHI Shao-shuai ,ZHANG Qian-qing . Causes of geological hazards and risk control of collapse in shallow tunnels [J]. , 2013, 34(5): 1375-1382.
[13] DIAO Yu-jie,ZHANG Sen-qi,GUO Jian-qiang,LI Xu-feng,FAN Ji-jiao,JIA Xiao-feng. Reservoir and caprock evaluation of CO2 geological storage site selection in deep saline aquifers [J]. , 2012, 33(8): 2422-2428.
[14] ZHAO Rui-rui ,MENG Qing-hui ,CHENG Jian-mei. Fluid migration modeling of CO2 injection in deep saline aquifers -A case study of the Sanzhao Depression, Songliao Basin [J]. , 2012, 33(4): 1247-1252.
[15] LIU Bo1,LI Hai-bo ,FENG Hai-peng ,ZHOU Qing-chun1,WANG Miao1,SONG Quan-jie1. Effect of dynamic compaction vibration on cutoff wall and its safety monitoring [J]. , 2012, 33(10): 3073-3080.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited

  Shared   
  Discussed   
No Suggested Reading articles found!