Abstract: As an essential and necessary means for emission reduction, carbon dioxide geological storage technology is of great significance for ecological and environmental protection, promotes international cooperation on global medium and long-term climate changes, and advances green, recycling and low-carbon development. This study summarizes 46 risk factors that may emerge throughout a lifecycle of carbon dioxide geological storage projects. A risk network relationship model was created using the social network analysis method to investigate the transmission relationship between risk factors associated with carbon dioxide geological storage projects. By analyzing the of overall local risk network parameters, this study identifies key factors such as key initial node, key risk-causing node, and key transmission node in the risk transmission processes. The following three potential risk transmission chains are identified: (1) Geologic hazard → Unexpected disruptions of CO₂ supply, access or transportation → Unexpected changes in construction or operation costs; (2) Insufficient knowledge of an operator or lack of corresponding qualification → Man-made leakage → Environmental damage of the project → Public participation → Unexpected construction or operation cost changes; (3) Improper departmental coordination → Talent recruitment and management risk → Operator’s lack of knowledge or lack of corresponding qualification → Unexpected construction or operation cost changes. The findings of this study can serve as a theoretical and technical reference for risk research in carbon dioxide geological sequestration projects and promote the healthy development of carbon dioxide capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) projects.

Key words: carbon dioxide capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), social network analysis, carbon dioxide geological storage;
risk factor, risk transmission