Carr, Timothy R.1, Alan P. Byrnes1, Martin K. Dubois1,
Scott W. White1
(1) Kansas Geological Survey, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
ABSTRACT: Models for Environmentally Sound and Economically Viable Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Opportunities
Fossil fuels will continue as the primary source of energy for the world well into this
century. However, with concern about the role of fossil fuel combustion in increasing
atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide and possible global climate change, it may
become necessary to manage anthropogenic CO2. Sequestering CO2 in
geological reservoirs is a viable method to safely store carbon, but high cost is a
barrier. The “Kansas model” attempts to address economic constraints by
demonstration projects that link energy and sequestration systems.
In central Kansas, an ongoing project links electrical co-generation, ethanol fuel
production and CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Waste heat from gas-fired electric
generators provides heat for ethanol production. High concentration carbon dioxide, a
byproduct of fermentation, is sequestered by an adjacent miscible enhanced oil recovery
project. A second project will capture landfill gas (LFG), which is a product of waste
degradation (50 percent methane and 45 percent carbon dioxide), and a significant
contributor to greenhouse emissions. Processing LFG through subsurface coal to recover
additional methane, while sequestrating CO2 can offset the significant costs of
recovering and processing LFG. A third project involves evaluation of CO2
capture from cement kilns. CO2 is generated by both the energy generation and calcination
processes, and sequestering it through enhanced oil and coalbed methane recovery.
Efficiencies gained by linking energy sequestration systems can enhance economics,
increase energy efficiency, and create environmental benefits through geologic
sequestration of CO2. Widespread application could add significant energy
reserves, benefit our industries, and cost-effectively sequester CO2.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90026©2004 AAPG Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, April 18-21, 2004.