French government to authorize CO2 storage in France

The French government is to launch a call for expressions of interest in the development of CO2 storage sites in France. Companies wishing to apply will have until June to do so. The sites targeted are hydrocarbon deposits that have been or are in the process of being depleted. Studies will be carried out until the end of the year with the help of the government to ensure that the sites have the required characteristics. The first injection tests could start early next year. BRGM (Bureau de recherches géologiques et minières) estimates the potential for storage in mainland France at 800 million tonnes.