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Critics of carbon sequestration argue that the technology will divert attention from research on long-term clean energy options, such as renewable power. Worse, they fear it will prolong fossil fuel use, if fossil fuels from some stationary sources can be used more cleanly.

But the researchers continually emphasise the need to adopt other technologies in addition to carbon sequestration.

Mark Zoback, professor of geophysics, said:

"Geological sequestration is going to be one of a family of solutions for addressing the greenhouse gas issue. Energy efficiency and renewable energy are already feasible today and also can define the long-term energy picture.

"Carbon dioxide sequestration, on the other hand, is only a bridge technology. Maybe we have another hundred years of using fossil fuels, and then we'll be on to better and smarter things, one hopes. If we're going to be creating greenhouse gases for another hundred years, it's a huge problem right now, so you have to get on this point. But nonetheless, our dependence on fossil fuels is not going to last forever."

Article by Annie Jia, Stanford.