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Project Details

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Project Information Sheet

Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership

Funding Source:	U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory
Period of Contract:	1 Jan 2004 to 30 Sep 2005
Status:	active — Definition of status type
Project Director:	John A. Rupp

Issue

Understanding the possibilities of using the deep subsurface environment to hold or "sequester" large volumes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) over long periods of time can potentially reduce the amount of CO₂ introduced into the atmosphere and help mitigate global warming and climate change.

Objective

The objective of this study is to compile known basic geological attributes of deep oil and gas reservoirs, black shales, coals, and saline aquifers. These attributes will then be assessed with the objective of calculating their ability to effectively store large volumes of liquid CO₂. The project is designed to move into a second phase where these candidate formations are tested with a drilling and injection program.

Approach

Records of oil and gas drilling and coal exploration are used to produce an extensive suite of maps that define the physical attributes of each candidate formation. Volumetric calculations are then made to assess the potential volume of CO₂ that could be sequestered. In subsequent phases of the project, the ability of the these formations to react with CO₂ or slowly leak the liquid will be assessed.

Products

An array of maps, tables, and theoretical volumes, all geographically specific, are to be produced. This will be compiled into a geographic information system (GIS) that will be accompanied by an extensive Web site. This will be done for the three-state (Illinois, western Kentucky, and western Indiana) area that constitutes the Illinois Basin.

Benefits

These products will be useful for utilities, mining companies, and the general public to further understand the possibilities of using the subsurface environment in the region to help control the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and to help mitigate the effects of global climate change.

Locations Affected:

state

Indiana House Districts Affected:

26 27 28 41 42

43 44 45 46 60

61 62 63 64 65

73 74 75 76 77

78

Indiana Senate Districts Affected:

22 23 24

37 38 39

40 44 47

48 49 50

Information Updated February 2, 2007

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