Optimizing CO2 hydrate storage: Dynamics and stability of hydrate caps in submarine sediments

Addressing the escalating impacts of climate change, this study explores the potential of CO2 storage in submarine sediments, presenting a promising strategy for sustainable global warming mitigation. We examine the dynamics and stability of CO2 hydrate caps using magnetic resonance imaging to investigate their spatialtemporal distribution under varying flowrates and storage pressures. Our findings indicate that hydrate caps predominantly expand along the flow direction, influenced significantly by the state of CO2 (liquid or gas) and operational parameters (storage pressure and CO2 flowrate). Notably, higher flowrates and pressures expedite hydrate formation, thereby mitigating the risks of injection well blockages and enhancing cap stability. However, excessively rapid formation may compromise cap thickness and effectiveness. The study delineates optimal conditions that sustain hydrate cap integrity, advocating for a minimum safety pressure of 9000 kPa to prevent failure. These insights significantly advance the development of efficient CO2 storage strategies in submarine environments, offering vital guidance for policy and industry practices aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. By highlighting the technological challenges and solutions associated with deep-sea CO2 storage, this research contributes to the broader discourse on innovative approaches to climate change mitigation.