Objective  Carbon sequestration technology represents a core approach to achieving carbon neutrality. However, its large-scale application remains constrained by multiple technical and scientific challenges.

Methods  Based on an analysis of existing carbon sequestration projects, this study identified four major challenges in carbon sequestration: (1) high uncertainty in the assessment of CO₂ sequestration capacity; (2) low injectivity of low-permeability discontinuous reservoirs; (3) a limited understanding of long-term mechanical stability; and (4) significant difficulty in assessing the risks of CO₂ leakage.

Results  To address these challenges, this study proposes the common issues currently faced by carbon sequestration technology, and, accordingly, determines three urgent critical scientific issues. First, there is an urgent need to develop universal geological theories applicable to carbon sequestration projects and, accordingly, to improve systems for evaluating effective sequestration capacity based on reservoir injectivity, tightness, and stability. Second, disturbance patterns in carbon sequestration projects should be investigated, and multi-field, multi-phase, and multi-scale constitutive relationships should be established, with the purpose of enhancing prediction accuracy. Third, it is necessary to advance the risk assessment, monitoring, and remediation theories applicable to carbon sequestration projects, as well as to integrate multi-physical-field coupling simulation with low-cost, high-sensitivity monitoring technologies. These efforts are essential for establishing closed-loop risk management systems.

Conclusions  In the future, it is advisable to address these three critical scientific issues through theoretical innovation, technological development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These efforts will help optimize the evaluation of CO₂ sequestration capacity, improve CO₂ sequestration efficiency in reservoirs within basins, ensure the long-term stability of sequestration sites, and mitigate leakage risks. These advances will provide robust support for the large-scale applications of carbon sequestration and the achievement of global carbon neutrality.