Review of Geological Storage Opportunities for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Kazakhstan

Abstract

At present, the problem of excessive CO₂ emissions in Kazakhstan is more acute than ever. Almost all major industrial cities, in one way or another, suffer from multiple excesses of harmful substances in the atmosphere. Under the Paris Agreement, Kazakhstan, along with other signatory countries, has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. However, to date, no positive trend has been observed. In this regard, the technology of carbon dioxide captures from industrial facilities and injecting it into depleted oil or gas fields could be a good innovation and set a good trend in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper we reviewed the studies that evaluated the geology of the known sedimentary basins in the country and compared the results to the existing criteria for assessing the CO₂ storage potential. The results of the studies were summarized and a technical review was presented, which suggests the suitability of Kazakhstan to implement CCS in the basins of the Caspian region, Ustyurt basin, Mangyshlak, Chu-Sarysu, South Turgai, Zaisan basin.