Large Scale CO2 Injection into Basalt Formations: Is it Viable?

<a href="https://embed.stanford.edu/iframe/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpurl.stanford.edu%2Fzt359jq2594" class="su-underline">Show Content</a>

Abstract/Contents

Abstract: Geologic storage of CO2 in the subsurface is vital if we are to reach the UNFCC’s goal to limit warming to below 1.5oC or even the less stringent goal of 2oC. Recently, there has been a rise in interest in geologic storage of CO2 storage in Basalt formations, as the mineral make-up presents the opportunity to lock CO2 as thermodynamically-stable carbonate minerals. However, basalt formations are less permeable with depth due to secondary alteration mineral filling and compaction and therefore have limited injectivity. Further, the majority of lateral storage and transmissivity in basalt formations at depth is through interbedded formations, flow contact zones and hyaloclastite formations. We take a hydrologic perspective on CO2 storage in basalt by reviewing the hydrogeology and lithology of major formations from around the world to assess their true storage potential. Using reported permeability and lithological data, we demonstrate that large scale storage of CO 2 (on the scale of a 1Mt/yr CO 2 source), is highly unlikely due to the low permeability, limited thickness and limited availability of highly permeable and thick basalt reservoirs that promote safe storage of CO2 . We find highly permeable interbeds within basalt formations and hyaloclastite formations (marine basalt flows) tend to preserve enough permeability for safe injection. However, they are limited in their distribution and availability when it comes to large CO2 sources.

Type of resource	text
Date created	August 2020

Author	Nagra, Gurinder
Advisor	Benson, Sally
Degree granting institution	Stanford University, Earth System Science

Location	https://purl.stanford.edu/zt359jq2594

Use and reproduction: User agrees that, where applicable, content will not be used to identify or to otherwise infringe the privacy or confidentiality rights of individuals. Content distributed via the Stanford Digital Repository may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor.
License: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 Unported license (CC BY-NC).

Preferred Citation: Nagra, Gurinder. (2020). LARGE SCALE CO2 INJECTION INTO BASALT FORMATIONS: IS IT VIABLE?. Stanford Digital Repository. Available at: https://purl.stanford.edu/zt359jq2594

Master's Theses, Doerr School of Sustainability

Loading usage metrics...