08/06/2026
A unique combination of favorable geological, logistical, and industrial conditions could make southeastern Sicily one of the Mediterranean’s leading hubs for permanent carbon dioxide (CO2) storage. That is the main conclusion of a study led by the Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources of Italy’s National Research Council (CNR-IGG), in collaboration with Carbfix and the University of Pisa, recently published in the International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control.
The study identified three promising areas for the deployment of Carbon Capture and Mineral Storage (CCMS) technologies: Palagonia, Portopalo of Capo Passero, and the Plain of Catania. These sites combine basaltic rocks suitable for CO2 mineralization with favorable geological conditions, water availability, and proximity to major industrial emitters.
“Our findings show that Sicily’s geological resources can make a significant contribution to decarbonization strategies,” explained Chiara Boschi, a researcher at CNR-IGG and co-author of the study. “The island offers a unique opportunity to connect natural geological resources with industrial decarbonization efforts, creating new pathways for permanent carbon storage and climate mitigation.”
To identify the most suitable locations, the research team developed a GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis workflow integrating geological, geophysical, environmental, and infrastructural data, resulting in a suitability map for CO2 mineral storage across Sicily.
“Beyond the results obtained in Sicily, one of the study’s key innovations is the methodology itself,” added Eugenio Trumpy, a researcher at CNR-IGG and co-author of the paper. “Because of its modular design, the workflow can be adapted to other regions, helping accelerate the identification of suitable sites for CO? mineralization worldwide.”
The research was carried out in partnership with Carbfix, the Icelandic company pioneering CO2 mineralization technologies. Carbfix’s experience in Iceland, where more than 95% of injected CO2 is converted into stable minerals within two years, provided an important scientific benchmark for the study. The work also strengthens the collaboration between CNR and Carbfix under a recently established five-year agreement focused on advancing CCMS technologies in Italy.
Sicily’s geological potential, industrial base, and strategic location in the Mediterranean could make the island an important center for innovative decarbonization solutions, supporting both emissions reduction and the development of a dedicated carbon storage value chain aligned with European climate goals.
Per informazioni:
Chiara Boschi
Cnr-Igg
chiara.boschi@cnr.it
0039/050/6212315
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