Plains CO2 Reduction (PCOR) Partnership Phase II CO2 Sequestration Validation Test in a Deep, Unminable Lignite Seam in Western North Dakota Regional Technology Implementation Plan
One of the options for storage is the injection of CO2 into unminable coal seams. To evaluate this storage option, the PCOR Partnership conducted laboratory- and field-based investigations of an unminable lignite coal seam located in Burke County in northwestern North Dakota. The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility of storing anthropogenic CO2 in lignite seams while simultaneously producing coalbed methane (CBM). More specifically, the goals of the study were as follows: 1) to demonstrate that CO2 can be safely injected and trapped in lignite by means of adsorption; 2) to assess the feasibility of CO2-enhanced methane production from lignite; and 3) to evaluate a variety of carbon storage operational conditions to determine their applicability to similar coal seams within the region or beyond. In order to culminate all that was learned during the 4 years of the validation test, a Regional Technology Implementation Plan (RTIP) has been developed. The purpose of the RTIP is to provide direction on site selection and development; permitting; well drilling, casing, completion, and development; and CO2 injection and monitoring. The RTIP expounds upon the experiences gained at the lignite test site to offer critical evaluations of decisions that were made and valuable insight into lessons that were learned.View/Download Document