Development of a transnational CO2 capture and storage super cluster to cut CO2 emissions in China’s East Coast: A perspective

The development of a transnational carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) super cluster represents a novel approach to mitigate global carbon emissions. This study proposes the construction of natural gas and CO 2 dual-purpose transport vessels as the core infrastructure for such a cluster, enabling the efficient and cost-effective transportation of both natural gas and captured CO 2 across international borders. These vessels are designed to transport natural gas to China, and carry liquefied CO 2 from China back to subsurface storage sites close to natural gas sources (i.e., Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, etc.), creating a circular carbon economy. The proposed super cluster leverages existing natural gas supply chains and maritime infrastructure, minimizing additional capital expenditure. By connecting China’s emission-intensive industries with remote CO 2 storage sites in other countries, this model enhances the scalability and feasibility of CCUS deployment on a global scale. This perspective paper discusses the technical, economic, and regulatory considerations for implementing this innovative system, emphasizing its potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting energy security and economic growth. Preliminary analysis suggests that this approach could achieve substantial carbon reductions, particularly in China’s East Coast with limited local storage capacity. The findings underscore the importance of international collaboration and policy support to realize the full potential of this transnational CCUS super cluster.