The CO2SITE Atlas


The CO2SITE Atlas is the central output of the project. Its data, tools and user functions are being developed for access through the European Geological Data Infrastructure, EGDI.
The Atlas will combine a European database of potential geological CO₂ storage sites with analytical modules and user functions. It is intended to help users move from a broad understanding of storage potential towards a clearer assessment of site investability and development readiness.
Traditional storage maps can show where suitable geological formations or traps may exist and how much CO₂ they might theoretically hold. CO2SITE adds further context by connecting geological information with technical and non-technical considerations such as:
  • evidence maturity and data availability;
  • capacity and injection performance;
  • containment and monitoring;
  • infrastructure;
  • regulation and permitting;
  • costs;
  • technical and non-technical risks.

Planned analytical modules

Static capacity: The static-capacity module will support estimates of the theoretical or mapped storage capacity of potential geological CO₂ storage sites.
Dynamic injection capacity: The dynamic-capacity module will consider how much CO₂ may be injected over time, taking reservoir behaviour and operational constraints into account.
Pressure interference: This module will examine how injection at one site or within one area may affect pressure conditions elsewhere, particularly where several storage opportunities could interact.
Techno-economic assessment: The techno-economic module will connect technical storage characteristics with development and cost considerations.
Technical risk: The technical-risk module will address uncertainties and risks related to geology, containment, injectivity, monitoring and site performance.
Non-technical risk: The non-technical-risk module will consider factors such as regulation, permitting, infrastructure and societal context that may influence development.

Comparison based on user needs

Different users have different priorities. A policymaker, storage developer, transport planner, investor or researcher may place different emphasis on capacity, readiness, infrastructure, costs, risk or evidence maturity.
For this reason, the Atlas will not impose one universal project-defined ranking. It is designed to support user-led comparison, allowing users to apply criteria and assumptions that fit their own objectives.
The Atlas will make underlying information, assumptions, limitations and uncertainties visible wherever possible. This supports transparent screening and comparison and can help users identify information gaps and determine where further investigation may be valuable.
The Atlas is intended as an early-stage decision-support environment. It will not replace detailed geological appraisal, permitting, environmental assessment or commercial due diligence.

Building on an established foundation

The CO2SITE Atlas builds on the GSEU CO₂ storage potential map and the underlying EGDI-based database. CO2SITE will expand and update this baseline, add further information and develop new functionality around identified user needs.
Released Atlas functions will be accessed through EGDI, connecting the project with Europe’s established geological data infrastructure rather than creating a separate, isolated Atlas platform.