Safety, reliability and controllability are essential elements influencing the licensing of CO2 storage and public perception. Therefore a thorough analysis of leakage mechanisms and threats to the safety and security of storage will be the main topic in the MiReCOL project. This will form the basis for an analysis of mitigation and remediation options. Both existing (state-of-the-art) and new remediation and mitigation techniques will be investigated, including laboratory tests of sealant materials and field demonstrations at the sites of Ketzin (Germany) and Bečej (Serbia).

The approach in MiReCOL is strictly risk based, which ensures that the results of the project can feed into the regulatory process (protocols, safety regulations, guidelines). This means that the impact of each remediation and mitigation measure is assessed on all relevant risk levels. The results will be published both as handbook and as an interactive web-based tool, to inform both storage project operators and competent authorities on the options available for remediation and mitigation. The inclusion of industrial partners active in CO₂ storage ensures the operational experience to assess the efficiency and impact of each measure.

The MiReCOL project is funded by the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme and coordinated by TNO. Partners are Engie, GFZ, IFP, Imperial College, NIS, Shell, Sintef, Statoil, University of Edinburgh, Prores.