The role of Aberdeen as a major hub for the offshore storage of carbon dioxide and the impact on the local economy will be discussed tomorrow (April 16) at the next Cafe Scientifique Aberdeenshire taking place at the Acorn Centre in Inverurie.
Global warming and the release of greenhouse gases, in particular CO2, means that further actions to reduce human-induced climate change are becoming increasingly urgent.
As we move towards a low-carbon economy questions around what can be done with current CO2 and the damage it is causing are becoming ever more important.
The discussion - which is aimed at a general public audience - will be led by Dr David Vega-Maza, a leading researcher in the field of carbon capture and storage at the University of Aberdeen’s School of Engineering.
Dr Vega-Maza said: “Global warming is boosted by the anthropogenic release of greenhouse gases, particularly CO2. The situation has become critical, and so we must act now to prevent further damage.
“I hope to increase the public awareness of the current processes in place to reduce carbon levels including how we capture CO2 and how it can be transported. I’ll also explore how CO2 can be stored deep underground in depleted oil and gas reservoirs and safely monitored.
“The University of Aberdeen has a unique and multidisciplinary team tackling problems from different perspectives. We have made important contributions to the economical, legal and geological aspects of carbon capture and storage.
“Our current research also aims to make an impact on fundamental science and engineering. I look forward to discussing how local research is helping the management of CO2 capture and storage, how the risks and uncertainties are lowered and what the local economical impacts of carbon capture and storage are.”
The free event begins at 7pm. Full details can be found at www.engagingaberdeen.co.uk. The series is supported by a science engagement grant from the Scottish Government.