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Project Information Center
Determination of CO2 Storage Capacity and ECBM Potential of Lignite Coals
Coal-fired power plants in North Dakota and Montana are responsible for over 50% of the CO2 emitted to the atmosphere in those two states. The expansive lignite coalfields of western North Dakota and eastern Montana are located directly under or in close proximity to several large coal-fired electric power plants. These lignite beds may have the potential to be a significant sink for the CO2 generated by those power plants. Currently, CO2 emissions are not regulated, and there is little to no market value associated with the geologic sequestration of CO2. Under these market conditions, the only economically viable approach to sequestering CO2 is to generate a value-added product, such as natural gas, as part of the sequestration process. In order to determine the nature of that potential, it is necessary to develop estimates of the gas content, CO2 storage capacity, and applicability of CO2-based enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) production technology in coal beds best suited for sequestration. Neither laboratory- nor pilot-scale CO2 sequestration or CO2-based ECBM research projects have been conducted in lignite. Under this project, research will be conducted to assess the natural gas resource potential, CO2 storage potential, and applicability of ECBM technology in a lignite coal seam from both technical and economic perspectives. The specific objectives of the project are to develop estimates of the gas content and CO2 storage capacity of lignite coals in the Fort Union Group of the North Dakota and Montana portions of the Williston Basin and to determine the potential for application of CO2-based enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) in those coals.
The initial stages of the project focused on identifying and characterizing a study area in North Dakota. An area in northwestern North Dakota (Burke County) was identified as having coal seams that appear to have the necessary thickness and depth to be considered as viable candidates for the presence of methane gas. Gross, reconnaissance-level characterization of the geology and hydrogeology of the study area was conducted using well log data made available by the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources. The results of the reconnaissance-level characterization have enabled the research team to develop a plan for the collection of coal seam cores. The coal seam cores will then be used to conduct laboratory activities to determine the methane gas content and CO2 storage capacity of the lignite. The project is currently in the process of finalizing an agreement with an North Dakota-based oil and gas operator to collect the cores.
Contact:
University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center
15 North 23rd Street
PO Box 9018
Grand Forks, ND 58202
(701) 777-5287
Contact: James A. Sorensen
Email: jsorensen@undeerc.org
Partners:
North Dakota Industrial Commission Oil and Gas Division
North Dakota Department of Commerce
Division of Community Services State Energy Program
Montana Board of Oil and Gas
Cost:
Total project cost: $500,000
STAC-DOE portion: $400,000
Participant portion: $100,000
Final Report
� 2009 State Technologies Advancement Collaborative
Send comments, Questions or Suggestions to: dterry@naseo.org
Last Updated: 11/28/11