Conceptual representation of the Otway carbon dioxide geosequestration project. Click to enlarge.

The A$40-million Otway Project simulates the capture of CO₂ from a power stations by extracting naturally trapped CO₂ from the Otway (sedimentary) Basin; transports the CO₂ several kilometers by pipeline; and stores it about two kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface in a depleted gas field. The project is intended eventually to store 100,000 tonnes of CO₂.

Researchers will monitor the behavior of the injected and stored CO₂ using a combination of sub-surface, in-well instruments and surface instruments to track the horizontal movement of CO₂ through the reservoir, and to measure CO₂ levels in the surrounding groundwater, soil and air. The researchers began baseline monitoring of the storage site in 2006.

In February, CO2TECH, the commercial arm of CO2CRC, and Schlumberger established a Joint Consulting Services Agreement aimed at providing carbon dioxide storage solutions to companies seeking to manage and control greenhouse gas emissions. Schlumberger has been providing leading-edge technology to CO2CRC during the development and deployment of the Otway Project.

Resources

• Demonstration of geological storage in Australia