Identification of such bypass systems is thus a key requirement for any seal risking protocol, along with physical property characterisation of the sealing lithologies themselves. In addition, it has recently been recognised that the sealing sequences above a reservoir might be compromised by seal bypass systems that allow large fluid fluxes to bypass the pore or fracture networks. These comprise two end members: membrane or capillary leakage and hydraulic leakage. By analogy, similar mechanisms that are classically invoked for leakage from oil and gas accumulations might also be expected to apply to CO 2 leakage.

One major obstacle to such a protocol being agreed is the limited understanding of leakage mechanisms that might occur within the sealing sequences located above the storage reservoir. However, at present, there is no internationally agreed protocol to quantify the risk that once emplaced, the CO 2 will leak back to the surface or pollute groundwater resources. A draft EU directive on CCS sets out strict conditions for potential storage sites regarding environmental impact assessment and monitoring requirements. The UK is well placed to implement this technology because of its existing oil and gas infrastructure, and its wealth of geologically suitable storage sites. Rationale and Aims: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one of the mitigation strategies with the greatest potential to reduce global CO 2 emissions this century. Communicating CCS: ECR competition 2021.Engage and inform external stakeholders.

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