Overview
Fossil fuels will continue to meet a large fraction of global energy demand for the foreseeable future. Progressive energy companies have recognized that prudent precautionary measures to mitigate the effect of combustion emissions are required now. CO2 capture and geologic storage offer a new set of options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that can complement strategies of improving energy efficiency and increasing the use of non-fossil energy resources. In fact, geological sequestration is likely to be the only option that will allow us to remove CO2 in large enough quantities over short enough times to make a difference.
A critical issue for geological storage is ensuring that the captured and stored CO2 does not escape from the host formation. This JIP addresses a potentially game-changing approach to preventing escape, namely, sequestering the CO2 in physical and chemical forms whose immobility is assured over geologic time. Harnessing extensive experience in subsurface flow and transport, we will develop new concepts and technology, carrying out state-of-the-art simulations to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of subsurface storage schemes. The results will provide essential input for decisions by governments, industry and regulators on the role of storage in global environmental and energy policy.
In the News
Commentary in the Austin American-Statesman: Conservation isn't enough by Steven Bryant
Geologic CO2 Storage--Can the Oil and Gas Industry Help Save the Planet? Abstract: Avoiding greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions will require large-scale implementation of several technologies. One of them is storage of CO2 in subsurface formations. This represents a substantial new business sector for the E&P industry. But taking advantage of this opportunity will require addressing several challenges, including characterizing target formations, developing a workforce, gaining confidence of the public and of regulators, and establishing CO2 as a commodity. Of these challenges, the most critical will be to train enough engineers and geoscientists for this new industry. (Link to full JPT article.)
Our work was profiled in an article in the Daily Texan: Solution to warming: Go underground - Researchers consider storing carbon dioxide beneath Earth's surface by Cindy Stowell