CO₂ Sequestration Potential of Texas Low-Rank Coals
Project # 41588

Primary Performing Organization:
Texas Engineering Experiment Station

The purpose of this project is to evaluate the feasibility of carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration in Texas low-rank coals, and determine the potential for enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) recovery.  Texas is one of the largest emitters of CO₂ in the United States.  In addition, Texas has huge reserves of low-rank coal, and much of this coal is in deep seams in close proximity to large power plants.  To evaluate the feasibility and the environmental, technical, and economic impacts of CO₂ sequestration in Texas low-rank coal beds, the Texas Engineering Experimental Station is conducting a four-year study to characterize coals located near major electrical power plants.

While it has been widely reported that coals will adsorb approximately twice as much CO₂ as methane, tests of a limited number of samples indicate that low-rank coals like those found in Texas may adsorb 6–18 times as much CO₂ as methane. CO₂ injection can improve methane recovery and help maintain reservoir pressure, thus offsetting operating costs by reducing the amount of gas compression required.  See Schematic.

The project objectives are to:

• Determine the technical and economic feasibility and volume of CO₂ that could be sequestered in Texas coal seams.
• Determine locations and quantities of CO₂ sources near possible coal injections sites.
• Determine the potential for enhanced coal bed methane recovery as an added benefit to sequestration.

Contact:
Project Manager:  William O’Dowd, william.odowd@netl.doe.gov

Related Papers and Publications:

• Texas Low-Rank Coal Fact Sheet [PDF]