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In the fight to combat climate change, few solutions are being championed more than carbon storage.

Carbon storage is the process of capturing carbon dioxide emissions — directly from the air, or from industrial sources — and storing it so it doesn’t contribute to climate change.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s proximity to the ocean makes it a prime candidate for carbon storage.

That's because the offshore environment has a high potential to safely store carbon dioxide in rock formations beneath the ocean floor or in offshore oil and gas fields.

But the province hasn’t had the support system required to build an industry around carbon storage — until now.

������Ƶ set to become global leader in carbon storage

In April, the provincial government announced $3 million in funding for ������Ƶ University to investigate maximizing the carbon storage potential in our offshore environments.

As well, Hibernia and Hebron are funding $6,786,614 towards the project.

Specifically, the funding will allow for the improvement and expansion of Dr. Lesley James’ laboratory facilities in ������Ƶ's Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation on the St. John's campus.

The initiative will also contribute to ������Ƶ University achieving a world-class standard known as super critical carbon dioxide specialized core analysis laboratory.

"I'm grateful to work towards a globally cleaner future, and be part of educating the generation who will usher in a new industry, right here at home," Dr. James said.

Development of a new N.L. workforce

Currently, no institution in the province is capable of educating and training workers in this burgeoning field or ushering in this new industry.

The funding will help ������Ƶ develop highly qualified personnel who will be proficient in the technologies and skills associated with carbon capture and storage. ������Ƶ will also facilitate the exchange of information between academic and industry experts.

At the time of the funding announcement, then-minister of Industry, Energy and Technology Andrew Parsons said, “This investment is helping our province pave the way for an entirely new industry that can have global impact while creating new opportunities for our highly skilled offshore workforce and businesses.”

From the government’s perspective, a large motivation for establishing a world-class laboratory at ������Ƶ University is to ensure that future researchers and leaders in carbon capture are trained right here in Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister Parsons said.

Environmental benefits are clear

It’s been calculated that storing one million tonnes of carbon dioxide equates to taking 350,000 cars off the road for a year.

Not only will offshore carbon storage help Newfoundland and Labrador achieve its greenhouse gas reduction targets, but it could also help other jurisdictions meet their emissions reduction targets.

“Carbon capture is essential to mitigating climate change and achieving our net zero goals,” said Lisa Dempster, minister of Environment and Climate Change. “This impactful initiative will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean innovation and growth and support the transition to a green economy.”

The project's team members include Drs. James and Syed Imtiaz from the Department of Process Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at ������Ƶ University.

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Dr. Lesley James is available for an interview. To arrange a time, please contact Chad Pelley, media relations manager for ������Ƶ University, at chad.pelley@mun.ca or 709-853-4281.