Geologic CO₂ Sequestration – An Introduction

Wickstrom, Lawrence H.

Ohio Division of Geological Survey, Columbus, OH

Concern about the alleged relationship between increasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and global climate-change continues to grow in the United States.  Worldwide interest in this topic also is heightened, and many nations are passing new emissions laws and imposing “carbon” taxes to reduce the amount of CO₂ released into the atmosphere from anthropogenic sources.  Sequestering CO₂ emissions in geologic reservoirs is a promising way to safely manage carbon for long periods of time.

Potential CO_2-sequestration targets include producing and depleted oil-and-gas fields, unconventional oil-and-gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams, and saline aquifers.  As part of on-going research, these potential CO₂ “sinks” are being characterized to determine their quality, size, and geologic integrity. A large number of pilot injection projects are slated to begin over the next few years.  The petroleum industry’s vast experience in characterization, drilling, completion and injection will be needed as this technology progresses.

Large portions of the energy sector’s, and federal government’s R&D funds are now directed at greenhouse-gas capture and sequestration. Many local petroleum professionals have heard of geologic CO₂ sequestration, but few have taken the time to investigate what research is taking place and why.  This presentation is meant to provide a brief introduction to the topic.