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2010 CO2 Capture and Storage Summer School of CAGS
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Oct. 30 – Nov. 3, 2010, Wuhan, China

Background

Global warming, a consequence of the increasing emission of greenhouse gases, can induce tremendous climate changes. Global warming has gained increasing attention because its effects have become more obvious. Among the greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main contributor to global warming due to its large amount in the atmosphere. The primary source of CO2 emission is the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and petrol. As fossil fuels continue to be the globally dominant source of primary energy production, the amount of CO2 emission also continues to increase. Effective measures are necessary to reduce, or at least maintain, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved through a combination of mitigation options, including improved energy efficiency, introduction of renewable energy, use of nuclear power, and CO2 capture and storage (CCS).

CCS is now widely regarded as a major contributor in the reduction of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. The large-scale and low-cost geological sequestration of CO2 is considered a relatively good option, and is now being implemented in some countries.

For widespread deployment of CCS, broadening the knowledge base of industrialized and developing countries is necessary, particularly at an academic level. Undergoing training courses or enrolling in summer schools are some of the best ways to accelerate and support the dissemination of knowledge on the potential of CCS.

Objectives

The China-Australia Geological Storage of CO2 (CAGS) Project is a bilateral project focused on increasing the capacities of China and Australia, and enhancing their cooperation in geological storage of CO2. The project combines research with capacity building and training programs. CAGS, funded by the Australian government, has been developed under and supported by the APP through the Cleaner Fossil Energy Task Force. CAGS aims to complement and collaborate with other geological programs in China.

The purpose of this CAGS Summer School is to improve the students’ understanding of the latest progress in CCS through comprehensive and systematic lectures and discussions between experts and students. The CAGS Summer School also aims to attract excellent young students to join the CCS community, and to promote communication and cooperation among them.

Primary fuel sources and conversion technologies are the primary issues up for discussion. With this background, capture techniques and geological storage sites for CO2, either in aquifers or for enhanced oil and gas recovery, will be addressed. The main topics to be discussed include

²    Climate change and CCS

²    CO2 capture technology

²    Safety assessment and monitoring

²    Site exploration and characterization

²    Modeling and storage capability assessment

²    Economic and social problems

²    Project implementations

The summer school will be a week-long exercise, with presentations and discussion groups led by international experts in the field of CCS. The students will be segregated into teams to freely discuss important topics within the CCS area. They will be encouraged to present their ideas and questions, and to seek advice or answers from experts.

Language

English is the official language of the CAGS Summer School. All lectures will be presented in English. Chinese and Australian students are expected to spend time together and to socialize outside the formal lectures, using the English language as their medium of communication.

Target group

The target groups are post-graduate students (PhD and PostDoc), young academics, and professionals from China and Australia working on CCS-related fields.

Application, selection, and grants

Participants to the CAGS Summer School will be selected based on their qualifications, which must be documented in a letter of application (LoA). The LoA should contain the name (family name and given names), date and place of birth, citizenship, and occupation of the applicant, along with a brief CV. The student should also justify his/her interest in CCS, relate his/her experience with CCS, if any, and explain what he/she can contribute to this summer school experience. The application letter should preferably include recommendations from a mentor or supervisor.

Attendance is free of charge. However, to receive the CAGS Summer School diploma, students have to attend the classroom sessions and take active part in all exercises.

All travel and subsistence expenses during the summer school will be shouldered by the CAGS project. However, economy class/lowest fares should be chosen.

Due date and application

The due date for submitting applications is 20 September 2010.

Contact

The application must be electronically sent to Dr. Haixiang Hu at h1h2x3@gmail.com or hxhu@whrsm.ac.cn (alternative).
Wuhan Institute of Rock and Soil mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

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