oa The CO2 Storage Resource Catalogue – A Comprehensive Analysis of Global CO2 Storage Resources Status

As the urgency to achieve net-zero emissions intensifies, CCS remains a critical enabler. However, large-scale deployment hinges on access to well-characterised, commercially viable CO2 storage resources - yet global estimates remain inconsistent, with many countries still unassessed. This knowledge gap hinders CCS acceleration.

The CO2 Storage Resource Catalogue (CSRC) addresses this challenge by providing a standardised global repository underpinned by the CO2 Storage Resources Management System (SRMS). This ensures a consistent and comparable approach to evaluating storage resources, equipping policymakers, investors, and industry with robust data for strategic decision-making.

This study presents the final CSRC phase, completing a comprehensive global review by assessing 129 previously unstudied countries across Africa, Oceania, Asia, South America, and Europe. Using a structured methodology, it evaluates storage capacity, maturity, and regional readiness for CCS deployment, delivering the most complete global assessment to date.

Key findings highlight the urgent need for project-based evaluations to translate storage potential into real-world developments and identify critical knowledge gaps. The study also underscores the pivotal role of regulatory frameworks in driving investment and accelerating CCS adoption. Without formal resource evaluations and clear, enforceable policies, many nations risk falling behind in decarbonisation efforts, losing opportunities to establish large-scale CO2 storage solution.