#United States #Oklahoma Carbon Hub #University of Oklahoma #carbon capture #Norman

University of Oklahoma Leads the Way in Carbon Capture Initiative

On November 25, 2024, the University of Oklahoma (OU) announced its leadership role in the Oklahoma Carbon Hub, backed by an $18.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. This initiative intends to explore effective carbon dioxide (CO2) storage methods, all while striving to mitigate the economic and environmental impacts of climate change.

A Collaborative Effort

The Oklahoma Carbon Hub is a joint project involving researchers from OU's Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy, the prominent Los Alamos National Laboratory, and key industry collaborators. This diverse team will evaluate three locations in Osage and Kay Counties as potential sites for the underground storage of approximately 54 million metric tonnes of CO2 over two decades. To put this into perspective, a typical car emits about one metric ton of CO2 every three months. The project's goal is to effectively capture and store emissions from various sources to counteract increasing carbon levels in the atmosphere.

Dr. Matthew Pranter, director of the OU School of Geosciences and the lead principal investigator, emphasized the significance of this research. He stated, "As we continually emit more carbon dioxide, it's crucial to identify point sources where we can capture emissions and store them long-term. Our expertise at the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy positions us well to contribute significantly to reducing atmospheric CO2."

Existing Collaborations for CO2 Sources

Three industries are already committed to sending captured CO2 to the Oklahoma Carbon Hub, should the sites prove suitable. These include the CVR Fertilizer Plant in Coffeyville, Kansas, the Azure Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Facility near Cherryvale, Kansas, and the Heimdal Direct Air Capture Units located on the Osage Reservation in Oklahoma. This partnership demonstrates a proactive approach towards both environmental responsibility and innovation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Science Behind Subsurface Carbon Storage

Subsurface storage is considered a promising technique for keeping CO2 after it has been captured. The geology itself plays a vital role; geological formations like the Arbuckle Group—composed of porous limestone and dolomite—have historically kept oil and gas trapped underground without migration. To accurately assess potential sites for CO2 injection, researchers will need to characterize the underground characteristics, assessing factors such as pore space and mineral distribution. Core samples, drilled hundreds of feet deep, will offer direct insights into the geological formations, determining the best locations to establish injection wells for CO2.

Dr. Pranter voiced optimism about the Arbuckle Group, stating, "The characteristics of the rock formations indicate that they could act as natural storage tanks for CO2. Furthermore, certain types of rock can chemically react with CO2, transforming it into a stable mineral over time, even if this isn't fully applicable to our primary sites."

A New Chapter for Carbon Storage in Oklahoma

This initiative falls under the U.S. Department of Energy's Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE), part of a larger $518 million project dedicated to developing and implementing carbon storage strategies across the nation. The Oklahoma Carbon Hub is particularly notable as the first project statewide funded through this initiative, underscoring Oklahoma's role in the fight against climate change.

In conclusion, with this extensive research backed by substantial funding and a collaborative effort among universities and industries, the Oklahoma Carbon Hub aims to lay the foundation for effective carbon storage solutions that can contribute to global sustainability efforts. Such projects not only promise ecological benefits; they also position Oklahoma as a pivotal player in energy innovation and climate action moving forward.