A Critical Review on the Opportunities and Challenges of Offshore Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage

Trong Vinh Bui (), Hong Hai Dao, Huynh Thong Nguyen, Quoc Dung Ta, Hai Nam Nguyen Le, Phuc Kieu, Cao Lan Mai, Trung Dung Tran, Huu Son Nguyen, Hoang Dung Nguyen and Trung Tin Huynh ()
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Trong Vinh Bui: Research Institute of Sustainable Energy, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
Hong Hai Dao: Faculty of Geology & Petroleum Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
Huynh Thong Nguyen: Faculty of Geology & Petroleum Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
Quoc Dung Ta: Faculty of Geology & Petroleum Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
Hai Nam Nguyen Le: Faculty of Geology & Petroleum Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
Phuc Kieu: Faculty of Geology & Petroleum Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
Cao Lan Mai: Faculty of Geology & Petroleum Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
Trung Dung Tran: Faculty of Geology & Petroleum Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
Huu Son Nguyen: Faculty of Geology & Petroleum Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
Hoang Dung Nguyen: School of Advanced Science and Technology Convergence, Kyungpook National University, 2559 Gyeongsang-daero, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
Trung Tin Huynh: Bach Khoa Ho Chi Minh City Science Technology Joint Stock Company, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-21

Abstract: Offshore Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is emerging as a critical strategy for achieving net-zero emissions, offering significant storage potential in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and deep saline aquifers while leveraging existing offshore infrastructure. This review summarizes recent advances in capture, transport, utilization, and storage technologies in the offshore industry. Case studies including Sleipner, Gorgon, and Northern Lights illustrate both the technical feasibility and the operational, economic, and regulatory challenges associated with large-scale deployment. While post-combustion capture and pipeline transport remain the most technologically mature approaches, significant uncertainties continue to exist regarding the logistics of marine transportation, reservoir integrity, and the robustness of monitoring frameworks. Policy and regulatory complexity, coupled with high capital costs and public acceptance issues, continue to constrain commercial viability. This review highlights that offshore CCUS holds significant promise but requires advances in monitoring technologies, cost reduction strategies, and harmonized international governance. Future research should focus on integrating CCUS with hydrogen production and renewable energy systems to accelerate large-scale deployment.

Keywords: carbon capture; CCUS; offshore; enhanced oil recovery; climate change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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