A proposed global layout of carbon capture and storage in line with a 2 °C climate target

A straightforward global layout of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is imperative for limiting global warming well below 2 °C. Here, we propose a cost-effective strategy for matching carbon sources and sinks on a global scale. Results show 3,093 carbon clusters and 432 sinks in 85 countries and regions are selected to achieve 92 GtCO2 mitigation by CCUS, 64% of which will be sequestered into sedimentary basins for aquifer storage and 36% will be used for CO2-EOR (enhanced oil recovery). Of the identified source–sink matching, 80% are distributed within 300 km and are mainly located in China, the United States, the European Union, Russia and India. The total cost is ~0.12% of global cumulative gross domestic product. Of countries with CO2-EOR, 75% will turn into profitable at the oil price over US$100 per barrel. These findings indicate our proposed layout is economically feasible. However, its implementation requires global collaboration on financial and technological transfer. Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) will be required to meet climate targets. An economically feasible global CCUS layout can be achieved by capturing the carbon sources in 85 regions and mitigating with 59 GtCO2 sequestration and aquifer storage and 33 GtCO2-enhanced oil recovery.