The SECARB (Southeast Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership) is one of seven partnerships created by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to help determine the best approaches for capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2), thought to contribute to global climate change. SECARB is addressing point source CO2 emissions in the southeastern United States by geographically linking sources with potential sequestration sinks. Options for carbon dioxide storage include depleted oil and natural gas reservoirs, deep saline aquifers, terrestrial ecosystems, and unmineable coal seams.
SECARB’s coal group is currently researching the carbon sequestration potential of unmineable coal seams in the Central Appalachian (Fact Sheet) and Black Warrior Basins (Fact Sheet). The coal seam research team incorporates individuals from the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research (Virginia Tech), Marshall Miller and Associates, the Geological Survey of Alabama, Advanced Resources International, the Kentucky Geological Survey, the University of Alabama and the Eastern Coal Council. Phase I accomplishments of the SECARB coal group consist of locating feasible areas to sequester CO2, and quantifying the CO2 capacity for these areas.
The primary objectives under Phase II are to further assess the sequestration potential of CBM reservoirs in the region and to verify the sequestration capacity and performance of mature CBM reservoirs through pilot well injection of carbon dioxide. Subsurface monitoring programs will measure pressure falloff in the injection wells and gas quality and reservoir effects at offset well locations.
Throughout this program, vigorous public outreach and technology transfer activities will be conducted. Activities on the Phase II research commenced October 2005. As with Phase I, industrial partners will play a key role in the success of the project by providing technical data, property access and monetary support.
