The use of carbon dioxide (CO2) injection for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) can prolong the productivity of many oil reservoirs and increase the U.S. hydrocarbon recoverable resource volume.
Geologic Carbon Dioxide and Energy-related Storage, Gas Resources, and Utilization
Active
By Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
November 19, 2018
Caballos Novaculite Reservoir Outcrop
A major reservoir for naturally occurring carbon dioxide in southwestern Texas
A major reservoir for naturally occurring carbon dioxide in southwestern Texas
Atop the LaBarge Platform
A major reservoir for naturally occurring carbon dioxide, helium, and hydrocarbon gases
A major reservoir for naturally occurring carbon dioxide, helium, and hydrocarbon gases
Mud Volcanoes
Mud volcanoes at the Davis-Schrimpf Seep Field, Calipatria, California
Mud volcanoes at the Davis-Schrimpf Seep Field, Calipatria, California
Above-ground Infrastructure for Storing Excess Energy
Subsurface natural gas storage in the Hutchinson Salt Member in Reno County, Kansas
Subsurface natural gas storage in the Hutchinson Salt Member in Reno County, Kansas
The objectives of this task are to conduct relevant research needed to 1) evaluate helium (He) and CO2 resources; 2) support future assessments of low-thermal gases and better understand their resources and potential for use as analogues for anthropogenic CO2 storage; 3) study the feasibility of large-scale CO2 mineralization in the United States; 4) develop pressure-limited dynamic models for regional CO2 storage assessments and economic evaluations; and 5) evaluate geologic energy storage resources.
Carbon Dioxide Mineralization Feasibility in the United States
Carbon Dioxide Mineralization Feasibility in the United States
This report discusses the feasibility of an alternative form of geologic carbon dioxide storage: Carbon dioxide mineralization.
Three approaches for estimating recovery factors in carbon dioxide EOR
Three approaches for estimating recovery factors in carbon dioxide EOR
Detailed information that could form an integral part of an assessment methodology
Geologic Carbon Dioxide Utilization Topics
Geologic Carbon Dioxide Utilization Topics
Utilization of other energy-related gases such as CO2, He, nitrogen (N2), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), if separated and concentrated from the produced natural gas stream, can make otherwise low-thermal (un-economic) natural gas accumulations a viable part of the national natural gas resource base. Many of these gases, including CO2, are separated and vented at the production site (H2S is typically reinjected), thereby contributing greenhouse gas to the atmosphere. Similarly, methane emissions during coal mining and after mine closure are often released to the atmosphere and contribute to greenhouse gases instead of being captured and utilized for energy production. The national electrical grid requires a balance between supply and demand across daily to annual cycles. Subsurface energy storage mechanisms including compressed air or gas, pumped hydroelectric, and geothermal require additional geologic investigations and assessments of available storage resources. To address an all-of-the-above approach, this project works to build improved geologic models needed to describe the distribution and resource-potential of these various energy options.
This task plans to complete a national assessment of He and CO2 resources found in natural gas reservoirs. New field and natural gas geochemistry data collected by task staff will be compiled and interpreted for scientific journal publications. Models of natural CO2 leakage of stored CO2 into shallow aquifers will be developed. A report describing the feasibility of large-scale CO2 mineralization in the United States was completed in 2019. In addition, engineering and economic modeling will be used to better characterize pressure-limited geologic CO2 storage resources. The task will evaluate the datasets and key process steps required to build a probabilistic assessment methodology to assess various geologic subsurface energy storage options that are available for use by the U.S. energy industry.
Subtasks:
- National Helium Resource Assessment: 01-OCT-2017 to 30-SEP-2022 -- Brennan
- Natural CO2 and Helium - Resources and Analogues for Anthropogenic CO2 Storage: 01-OCT-2017 to 30-SEP-2022 -- Brennan
- Feasibility of CO2 Mineralization in the United States: 01-OCT-2017 to 30-SEP-2022 -- Blondes
- Economics of CO2 storage: 01-OCT-2017 to 30-SEP-2020 -- Anderson, Freeman
- Geologic Energy Storage: 01-OCT-2019 to 30-SEP-2022 -- Buursink
Slideshows Associated with Project Member Talks:
- Federal lands greenhouse gas emissions and sequestration – a modified EPA methodology [.pdf]
- A Pressure-limited Model to Estimate CO2 Injection and Storage Capacity of Saline Formations: Investigating the Effects of Formation Properties, Model Variables and Presence of Hydrocarbon Reservoirs [.pdf] [1.2 MB]
- Overview of USGS Carbon Sequestration - Geologic Research and Assessments Project [.pdf] [2.1 MB]
- Status Report: Estimating greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels produced from Federal lands [.pdf] [1.2 MB]
- U.S. Geological Survey National Assessment of Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resources and Associated Research [.pdf] [2.3 MB]
- U.S. Geological Survey National Assessment of Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resources and Associated Research [.pdf] [2.6 MB]
- National Assessment of Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resources - Results [.pdf] [2.2 MB]
- U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resource Assessment of the United States - 2012 Project Update [.pdf] [3.9 MB]
- Examining Salinity Restrictions for CO2 Storage: Suggestions from Basin to Reservoir Scales [.pdf] [1.9 MB]
- Using ArcGIS to Identify Environmental Risk Factors Associated with CO2 Storage [.pdf] [1.7 MB]
- A Probabilistic Assessment Methodology for the Evaluation of Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage [.pdf] [1.4 MB]
- CO2 Fluid Flow Modeling to Derive the Time Scales of Lateral Fluid Migration [.pdf] [1.2 MB]
- U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resource Assessment of the United States - Project Update [.pdf] [3.3 MB]
Below are other science projects associated with this project task.
Carbon and Energy Storage, Emissions and Economics (CESEE)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is utilized by industry to enhance oil recovery. Subsurface CO2 storage could significantly impact reduction of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere, but the economics and potential risks associated with the practice must be understood before implementing extensive programs or regulations. Utilization of other energy-related gases such as helium (He), if separated and concentrated...
Economics of Energy Transitions
This task conducts research to characterize or evaluate the economics of developing technologies or markets in geologic resources. Such research can analyze the relative risks, costs, and benefits from the utilization and not just the extraction of underground resource. Economic analysis builds upon the geologic resource assessment work by other tasks in the Utilization of Carbon and other Energy...
Geologic Energy Storage
The United States (U.S.) domestic energy supply increasingly relies on natural gas and renewable sources; however, their efficient use is limited by supply and demand constraints. For example, a) in summer, natural gas production may outpace home heating fuel demand and b) in daytime, wind and solar electricity production may outpace industrial power requirements. Storing rather than dumping...
Assessing Emissions from Active and Abandoned Coal Mines
The gas emission zone liberates and accumulates significant amounts of coal mine methane as a by-product of active mining. In most active mines, coal mine methane is controlled by wellbores, called gob gas ventholes. Despite the presence of these wellbores, it is not possible to capture all of the methane generated within the gas emission zone. As a consequence, a large amount of gas migrates into...
Induced Seismicity Associated with Carbon Dioxide Geologic Storage
As a national science agency, the USGS is responsible for assessing hazards from earthquakes throughout the United States. The USGS studies induced seismicity across the spectrum of energy issues: carbon sequestration, geothermal energy, and conventional and unconventional oil and gas. In the central and eastern United States, earthquakes induced by fluid injection activities contribute...
Methodology Development and Assessment of National Carbon Dioxide Enhanced Oil Recovery and Associated Carbon Dioxide Storage Potential
The objective of this research task is to conduct a national assessment of recoverable oil related to CO2 injection. The amount of CO2 stored (utilized) during the hydrocarbon recovery process will also be evaluated.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project task.
The Concept of Geologic Carbon Sequestration
The use of carbon dioxide (CO2) injection for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) can prolong the productivity of many oil reservoirs and increase the U.S. hydrocarbon recoverable resource volume.
Below are FAQ associated with this project task.
How does carbon get into the atmosphere?
Atmospheric carbon dioxide comes from two primary sources—natural and human activities. Natural sources of carbon dioxide include most animals, which exhale carbon dioxide as a waste product. Human activities that lead to carbon dioxide emissions come primarily from energy production, including burning coal, oil, or natural gas. Learn more: Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (EPA)
Has the USGS made any Biologic Carbon Sequestration assessments?
The USGS is congressionally mandated (2007 Energy Independence and Security Act) to conduct a comprehensive national assessment of storage and flux (flow) of carbon and the fluxes of other greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide) in ecosystems. At this writing, reports have been completed for Alaska, the Eastern U.S., the Great Plains, and the Western U.S. Learn more: Carbon Emissions and...
How much carbon dioxide does the United States and the World emit each year from energy sources?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that in 2019, the United States emitted 5,130 million metric tons of energy-related carbon dioxide, while the global emissions of energy-related carbon dioxide totaled 33,621.5 million metric tons.
Which area is the best for geologic carbon sequestration?
It is difficult to characterize one area as “the best” for carbon sequestration because the answer depends on the question: best for what? However, the area of the assessment with the most storage potential for carbon dioxide is the Coastal Plains region, which includes coastal basins from Texas to Georgia. That region accounts for 2,000 metric gigatons, or 65 percent, of the storage potential...
How much carbon dioxide can the United States store via geologic sequestration?
In 2013, the USGS released the first-ever comprehensive, nation-wide assessment of geologic carbon sequestration, which estimates a mean storage potential of 3,000 metric gigatons of carbon dioxide. The assessment is the first geologically-based, probabilistic assessment, with a range of 2,400 to 3,700 metric gigatons of potential carbon dioxide storage. In addition, the assessment is for the...
What’s the difference between geologic and biologic carbon sequestration?
Geologic carbon sequestration is the process of storing carbon dioxide (CO2) in underground geologic formations. The CO2 is usually pressurized until it becomes a liquid, and then it is injected into porous rock formations in geologic basins. This method of carbon storage is also sometimes a part of enhanced oil recovery, otherwise known as tertiary recovery, because it is typically used later in...
What is carbon sequestration?
Carbon dioxide is the most commonly produced greenhouse gas. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It is one method of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with the goal of reducing global climate change. The USGS is conducting assessments on two major types of carbon sequestration: geologic and biologic.
The objectives of this task are to conduct relevant research needed to 1) evaluate helium (He) and CO2 resources; 2) support future assessments of low-thermal gases and better understand their resources and potential for use as analogues for anthropogenic CO2 storage; 3) study the feasibility of large-scale CO2 mineralization in the United States; 4) develop pressure-limited dynamic models for regional CO2 storage assessments and economic evaluations; and 5) evaluate geologic energy storage resources.
Carbon Dioxide Mineralization Feasibility in the United States
Carbon Dioxide Mineralization Feasibility in the United States
This report discusses the feasibility of an alternative form of geologic carbon dioxide storage: Carbon dioxide mineralization.
Three approaches for estimating recovery factors in carbon dioxide EOR
Three approaches for estimating recovery factors in carbon dioxide EOR
Detailed information that could form an integral part of an assessment methodology
Geologic Carbon Dioxide Utilization Topics
Geologic Carbon Dioxide Utilization Topics
Utilization of other energy-related gases such as CO2, He, nitrogen (N2), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), if separated and concentrated from the produced natural gas stream, can make otherwise low-thermal (un-economic) natural gas accumulations a viable part of the national natural gas resource base. Many of these gases, including CO2, are separated and vented at the production site (H2S is typically reinjected), thereby contributing greenhouse gas to the atmosphere. Similarly, methane emissions during coal mining and after mine closure are often released to the atmosphere and contribute to greenhouse gases instead of being captured and utilized for energy production. The national electrical grid requires a balance between supply and demand across daily to annual cycles. Subsurface energy storage mechanisms including compressed air or gas, pumped hydroelectric, and geothermal require additional geologic investigations and assessments of available storage resources. To address an all-of-the-above approach, this project works to build improved geologic models needed to describe the distribution and resource-potential of these various energy options.
This task plans to complete a national assessment of He and CO2 resources found in natural gas reservoirs. New field and natural gas geochemistry data collected by task staff will be compiled and interpreted for scientific journal publications. Models of natural CO2 leakage of stored CO2 into shallow aquifers will be developed. A report describing the feasibility of large-scale CO2 mineralization in the United States was completed in 2019. In addition, engineering and economic modeling will be used to better characterize pressure-limited geologic CO2 storage resources. The task will evaluate the datasets and key process steps required to build a probabilistic assessment methodology to assess various geologic subsurface energy storage options that are available for use by the U.S. energy industry.
Subtasks:
- National Helium Resource Assessment: 01-OCT-2017 to 30-SEP-2022 -- Brennan
- Natural CO2 and Helium - Resources and Analogues for Anthropogenic CO2 Storage: 01-OCT-2017 to 30-SEP-2022 -- Brennan
- Feasibility of CO2 Mineralization in the United States: 01-OCT-2017 to 30-SEP-2022 -- Blondes
- Economics of CO2 storage: 01-OCT-2017 to 30-SEP-2020 -- Anderson, Freeman
- Geologic Energy Storage: 01-OCT-2019 to 30-SEP-2022 -- Buursink
Slideshows Associated with Project Member Talks:
- Federal lands greenhouse gas emissions and sequestration – a modified EPA methodology [.pdf]
- A Pressure-limited Model to Estimate CO2 Injection and Storage Capacity of Saline Formations: Investigating the Effects of Formation Properties, Model Variables and Presence of Hydrocarbon Reservoirs [.pdf] [1.2 MB]
- Overview of USGS Carbon Sequestration - Geologic Research and Assessments Project [.pdf] [2.1 MB]
- Status Report: Estimating greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels produced from Federal lands [.pdf] [1.2 MB]
- U.S. Geological Survey National Assessment of Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resources and Associated Research [.pdf] [2.3 MB]
- U.S. Geological Survey National Assessment of Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resources and Associated Research [.pdf] [2.6 MB]
- National Assessment of Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resources - Results [.pdf] [2.2 MB]
- U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resource Assessment of the United States - 2012 Project Update [.pdf] [3.9 MB]
- Examining Salinity Restrictions for CO2 Storage: Suggestions from Basin to Reservoir Scales [.pdf] [1.9 MB]
- Using ArcGIS to Identify Environmental Risk Factors Associated with CO2 Storage [.pdf] [1.7 MB]
- A Probabilistic Assessment Methodology for the Evaluation of Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage [.pdf] [1.4 MB]
- CO2 Fluid Flow Modeling to Derive the Time Scales of Lateral Fluid Migration [.pdf] [1.2 MB]
- U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resource Assessment of the United States - Project Update [.pdf] [3.3 MB]
Below are other science projects associated with this project task.
Carbon and Energy Storage, Emissions and Economics (CESEE)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is utilized by industry to enhance oil recovery. Subsurface CO2 storage could significantly impact reduction of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere, but the economics and potential risks associated with the practice must be understood before implementing extensive programs or regulations. Utilization of other energy-related gases such as helium (He), if separated and concentrated...
Economics of Energy Transitions
This task conducts research to characterize or evaluate the economics of developing technologies or markets in geologic resources. Such research can analyze the relative risks, costs, and benefits from the utilization and not just the extraction of underground resource. Economic analysis builds upon the geologic resource assessment work by other tasks in the Utilization of Carbon and other Energy...
Geologic Energy Storage
The United States (U.S.) domestic energy supply increasingly relies on natural gas and renewable sources; however, their efficient use is limited by supply and demand constraints. For example, a) in summer, natural gas production may outpace home heating fuel demand and b) in daytime, wind and solar electricity production may outpace industrial power requirements. Storing rather than dumping...
Assessing Emissions from Active and Abandoned Coal Mines
The gas emission zone liberates and accumulates significant amounts of coal mine methane as a by-product of active mining. In most active mines, coal mine methane is controlled by wellbores, called gob gas ventholes. Despite the presence of these wellbores, it is not possible to capture all of the methane generated within the gas emission zone. As a consequence, a large amount of gas migrates into...
Induced Seismicity Associated with Carbon Dioxide Geologic Storage
As a national science agency, the USGS is responsible for assessing hazards from earthquakes throughout the United States. The USGS studies induced seismicity across the spectrum of energy issues: carbon sequestration, geothermal energy, and conventional and unconventional oil and gas. In the central and eastern United States, earthquakes induced by fluid injection activities contribute...
Methodology Development and Assessment of National Carbon Dioxide Enhanced Oil Recovery and Associated Carbon Dioxide Storage Potential
The objective of this research task is to conduct a national assessment of recoverable oil related to CO2 injection. The amount of CO2 stored (utilized) during the hydrocarbon recovery process will also be evaluated.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project task.
The Concept of Geologic Carbon Sequestration
The use of carbon dioxide (CO2) injection for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) can prolong the productivity of many oil reservoirs and increase the U.S. hydrocarbon recoverable resource volume.
The use of carbon dioxide (CO2) injection for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) can prolong the productivity of many oil reservoirs and increase the U.S. hydrocarbon recoverable resource volume.
Below are FAQ associated with this project task.
How does carbon get into the atmosphere?
Atmospheric carbon dioxide comes from two primary sources—natural and human activities. Natural sources of carbon dioxide include most animals, which exhale carbon dioxide as a waste product. Human activities that lead to carbon dioxide emissions come primarily from energy production, including burning coal, oil, or natural gas. Learn more: Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (EPA)
Has the USGS made any Biologic Carbon Sequestration assessments?
The USGS is congressionally mandated (2007 Energy Independence and Security Act) to conduct a comprehensive national assessment of storage and flux (flow) of carbon and the fluxes of other greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide) in ecosystems. At this writing, reports have been completed for Alaska, the Eastern U.S., the Great Plains, and the Western U.S. Learn more: Carbon Emissions and...
How much carbon dioxide does the United States and the World emit each year from energy sources?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that in 2019, the United States emitted 5,130 million metric tons of energy-related carbon dioxide, while the global emissions of energy-related carbon dioxide totaled 33,621.5 million metric tons.
Which area is the best for geologic carbon sequestration?
It is difficult to characterize one area as “the best” for carbon sequestration because the answer depends on the question: best for what? However, the area of the assessment with the most storage potential for carbon dioxide is the Coastal Plains region, which includes coastal basins from Texas to Georgia. That region accounts for 2,000 metric gigatons, or 65 percent, of the storage potential...
How much carbon dioxide can the United States store via geologic sequestration?
In 2013, the USGS released the first-ever comprehensive, nation-wide assessment of geologic carbon sequestration, which estimates a mean storage potential of 3,000 metric gigatons of carbon dioxide. The assessment is the first geologically-based, probabilistic assessment, with a range of 2,400 to 3,700 metric gigatons of potential carbon dioxide storage. In addition, the assessment is for the...
What’s the difference between geologic and biologic carbon sequestration?
Geologic carbon sequestration is the process of storing carbon dioxide (CO2) in underground geologic formations. The CO2 is usually pressurized until it becomes a liquid, and then it is injected into porous rock formations in geologic basins. This method of carbon storage is also sometimes a part of enhanced oil recovery, otherwise known as tertiary recovery, because it is typically used later in...
What is carbon sequestration?
Carbon dioxide is the most commonly produced greenhouse gas. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It is one method of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with the goal of reducing global climate change. The USGS is conducting assessments on two major types of carbon sequestration: geologic and biologic.