The world’s primary energy consumption is currently estimated at 10.5 GtOE , of which about 80% is in the form of fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal).

Whether issued by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the World Energy Council (WEC), the European Commission or the United States Department of Energy (DOE), most forward-looking scenarios agree that energy consumption will rise (to between 16 and 18 GtOE) by 2030, with fossil fuels continuing to dominate the energy mix.

However, even though the combustion of fossil fuels contributes to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), mankind cannot do without energy to support its development. In response to this paradox – and until alternative energy solutions reach full maturity – one possible means of climate change mitigation consists of storing the CO2 generated by large point sources of emissions. This measure must also be accompanied by efforts to improve energy efficiency and diversify energy sources in order to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases.