Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a rapidly developing technology that aims to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere. While CCS has been studied extensively in various geological formations, its application to basalt formations is still emerging. To delve deeper into this area, the EAGE Workshop on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Basalts is set to take place at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Gandhinagar in February 2025.

India is home to one of the world's largest basalt formations, the Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP), commonly known as the Deccan Traps. Expanded over half-a-million square kilometers in western and central India, the Deccan Traps are estimated to have a theoretical potential of up to 316 Gigatons of CO2 storage which calls for detailed investigations. 

The EAGE workshop will gather global experts to share their insights and experiences on CCS in basalt formations. The sessions will address a variety of topics, including the geological characteristics of basalts that make them suitable for carbon storage, the potential capacity for CO2 storage, and the challenges and opportunities related to implementing CCS in these formations, and more.

Speakers at the workshop will include experts from academia and industry, representing diverse perspectives and experiences. Topics will encompass technical, economic, policy, and environmental aspects, presented by various stakeholders. The event will include a core display and discussion session, fostering open dialogue on basalt characteristics.

A one-day fieldwork will be organized in Gujarat, to observe the exposed Deccan Volcanic Traps. During the fieldwork, participants will have the opportunity to examine the basalt outcrops, which are a natural laboratory of these formations displaying their near-surface architecture, and lateral and vertical flow heterogeneities - features that are crucial for understanding the potential for CO2 storage.

Overall, the international workshop on CCS in basalts is set to be a significant opportunity for researchers and industry professionals to exchange knowledge and insights in this emerging field. By bringing together experts from around the world, the workshop aims to advance this promising technology and bolster global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.