PNNL

Abstract

We present a detailed supercritical CO2 storage resource estimation for the stacked interflow reservoirs in the Grande Ronde Formation of the Columbia River Basalt Group. The assessment aims to de-risk and commercialize geologic carbon storage in basalt by leveraging doubly plunging anticlinal traps in the Yakima Fold Belt and rapid mineralization trapping of injected CO2 in basalt. The structural closures formed by anticlinal ridges and synclinal valleys in the Yakima Fold Belt provide excellent physical traps to accommodate injected supercritical CO2. Favorable storage conditions occur at >800 m below ground. Hydrologic testing, well log and simulation data from the Wallula basalt pilot well have demonstrated multiple (17) permeable injection zones (up to 2,496 mD) intercalated by dense seals (~2.6E-10 mD) in the Grand Ronde Formation of the Columbia River Basalt Group. In addition, geochemical studies showed fast reaction between supercritical CO2 and dissolved divalent metals to form stable carbonate minerals. The investigation suggested a highly secure pathway to permanent geological CO2 storage for up to 181, 304, or 351 gigatons (P90, P50, and P10, respectively) in the study area, equivalent of more than 34 years of net U.S. carbon emission (2020 level).