Can we sequester carbon fast enough? Growing disconnect between models and reality

Geologic carbon storage is a key component of any policy roadmap to reach net zero carbon emissions by mid-century. Recent studies have quantified the amount of carbon dioxide that needs to be stored annually, with results generally in the gigatonne per year range in the US. However, field trials over the past two decades have shown that such high storage rates may not be feasible with current technology due to subsurface engineering challenges. We show how properties of the subsurface place limits on storage rates and how field projects have provided evidence of those limits hindering carbon storage efforts. Without urgently addressing these limits, realizing injection rates consistent with net-zero emissions modeling would require drilling activity that would exceed the entire US oil and gas industry. We conclude with recommendations for overcoming these challenges through focused collaborative efforts at information sharing, technology transfer, and supportive policies.