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CO2 Disposal Potential in Deep Western U.S. Coal--Sage Discovery, Inc., 345 Market Street, P.O. Box 882, Meeker, CO 81641-3421; (970) 878-5160
Mr. Bruce E. Barnum, Principal Investigator
Ms. Jackie R. Barnum, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82659
Amount: $673,710
Geologic sequestration of CO2 in deep western U.S. coal beds could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal thermal electric power generation by more than 100 million tonnes/year. However, successful commercial application of this technology requires secure, long-term disposal of very high-volume CO2 streams at costs below $10.00/ tonne. This project focuses on the geologic definition and detailed formation evaluation of coal target zones for the disposal of power plant emissions streams at levels exceeding 10 million tonnes/year. In order to show technical and economic feasibility, engineering and economic modeling will be conducted, including analyses of gas processing, transport cost, and potential economic enhancement by coal bed methane (CBM) production. Phase I identified a Tertiary-coals target zone in northeast Wyoming with a capacity for secure sequestration of multiple-power plant operation CO2 emissions, (more than 25 million tonnes/year) at very low cost (less than $1.00/tonne). Also identified was a Cretaceous-coals target zone in northwest Colorado, with a capacity of more than 5 million tonnes/mile2. The total secure disposal capacity of the evaluated areas exceeds 1 billion tonnes. Phase II will provide a detailed formation evaluation of the Powder River Basin target coal zone in Wyoming. Further refinements in the analyses of target zone definition, plant-specific disposal plans, and possible flue gas injection will be used to extend the technology to additional commercial opportunities.
Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by he awardee: Newly established international trading in carbon emissions units clearly demonstrates the increasing commercial potential of high-volume CO2 disposal. Research results quantifying this important technology should support informed governmental policy-making and increase scientific understanding and support of efficient CBM production.