Carbon Dioxide Sequestration in Deep Sedimentary Formations

In little more than a decade, carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture from point source emissions and sequestration in deep geological formations has emerged as one of the most important options for reducing CO₂ emissions. Two major challenges stand in the way of realizing this potential: the high cost of capturing CO₂ and gaining confidence in the capacity, safety, and permanence of sequestration in deep geological formations. Building on examples from laboratory and field based studies of multiphase flow of CO₂ in porous rocks; this talk addresses the current prospects for carbon dioxide sequestration. Which formations can provide safe and secure sequestration? At what scale will this be practical and is this scale sufficient to significantly reduce emissions? What monitoring methods can be used to provide assurance that CO₂ remains trapped underground? What can be done if a leak develops? What are the potential impacts to groundwater resources and how can these be avoided? The status of each these questions will be discussed, along with emerging research questions.