Geologic Sequestration
The geology of the Big Sky region offers great potential to store large quantities of man-made CO2 emissions. Within the Big Sky region exists the following geological formations that are favorable for CCS: depleted oil reservoirs, deep unminable coal seams, saline aquifers, and mafic volcanic (basalt) formations. Phase I of the Partnership’s research characterized the region’s sources of CO2 and potential reservoirs. Phase II and Phase III involve conducting field validation and demonstration tests that analyze and assess the potential for permanent carbon storage on a large-scale commercial operation. The following paragraphs summarize the Partnership's activities in the different phases of the project.
- Phase I (2003-2005): The Partnership completed a regional inventory of potential geological carbon sequestration sites in Wyoming, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and South Dakota and assessed the point sources of CO2.
- Phase II (2005-2009): Research and development in this phase involves performing field tests in a variety of geologic settings, particularly mafic (basalt) formations. Due to their extensive distribution, mafic rock features are considered to be important targets of carbon storage within the Big Sky region. A small-scale pilot test is a critical first step to determine capacity, injectivity, and mineralization rates in deep basalt settings.
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- Phase III (2009-2016): The third phase of the BSCSP’s geologic sequestration work involves performing a large-scale injection of supercritical CO2 to demonstrate long-term safe carbon sequestration into a regionally significant geologic sink. The selected site, located in western Wyoming, will be evaluated to establish appropriate MMV protocols and methodology for future commercial operations.
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