Storage of CO₂ in the Geologic Formations in the Ohio River Valley Region
Project # 40418

Primary Performing Organization:
Battelle Memorial Institute

This project reflects the need to prove the viability of carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage in geologic formations as the nation develops a strategy to deal with the buildup of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.  The focus of this undertaking is on deep geologic formations in the Ohio River Valley region, which has the largest regional concentration of CO₂ in the country.  Deep saline formations are among the largest and most widely available potential reservoirs for long-term storage, and exist under much of the United States, often located in close proximity to major point sources of CO₂ emissions. All aspects of the project, including field characterization, testing, permitting, and monitoring development plans, will provide a protocol to guide similar investigations at other locations.

In pursuing cost reduction of CO₂ management, this project begins with the simple observation that transportation costs come down the closer the injection site is to the source(s) of CO₂ emissions.  With this in mind, baseline information is collected about potential CO₂ storage site locations in this high emission area in order to select sites for and schedule actual field tests.

Specific project procedures include the following steps:

• Assess the geologic environment in the Ohio River Valley.
• Perform a 2-dimensional seismic survey to identify subsurface geologic structures.
• Drill an exploratory deep well to collect data necessary to gauge whether a CO₂ storage test can be conducted at the site.
• Conduct tests to characterize the reservoirs, cap rocks, and overlying layers to gain a full understanding of the site.

To the extent that research provides positive results, the project will identify methods that many utilities can use to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Contact:
Project Manager:  Lynn Brickett, BRICKETT@netl.doe.gov

Related Papers and Publications:

• Storage of CO₂ in the Ohio River Valley Region Fact Sheet [PDF]