The Council for Geoscience (CGS), in partnership with the World Bank, has embarked on a research project focusing on Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).

An informational session, conducted at Kopano Nokeng on Monday, involved key stakeholders, including government officials, interest groups, and community leaders. The purpose was to discuss the ongoing efforts related to the CCUS Pilot initiative.

‘The geological resources of the site are exceptionally well-suited for piloting this project’

Itumeleng Seemola, a CGS representative, said the selected site for the project is in Leandra, Mpumalanga, which was chosen primarily because it is situated approximately 25 km from major CO2 emitters, such as coal and Sasol power plants.

“The geological resources of the site are exceptionally well-suited for piloting this project, providing an ideal storage capacity within its geological formations,” he mentioned.

The @CGS_RSA is today hosting a Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage seminar at Kopano Nokeng Lodge, Bloemfontien, Free State. This is part of a series of public advocacy activities that are taking place around the country to create awareness of the CCUS programme in SA. #ccs pic.twitter.com/yLjKcgshmd

— CGS (@CGS_RSA) January 15, 2024

Furthermore, he noted that the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has granted a land lease to the Council for Geoscience. This collaboration is intended to explore and develop the potential for carbon capture, utilisation, and storage in South Africa.

South Africa is the second nation globally to initiate a CCUS project, demonstrating its commitment to pioneering environmental innovation.

Seemola emphasised the significance of these information sessions, stating their dual purpose is to communicate the work carried out by CGS and to garner public support for the project.

‘Participants gain a deeper understanding’

“These sessions serve as open communication workshops, allowing participants to express their concerns, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of the CCUS project's characteristics,” he said.

Mosa Mabuza, CEO of CGS, said there are many benefits for this project, not only for Mangaung but the whole of South Africa and internationally.

“If it is to be proven that it works scientifically, then South Africa would have met the global commitment made that as a country, we will reduce and eliminate the Carbon dioxide (Co2) to the climate, and if that happens we would contribute to a normal environment and provide a better environment for generations to come,” Mabuza said.

OFM News/Heidre Malgas cg