Testing for CO2 Sequestration and Enhanced Methane Production from Coal

Abstract The process of capturing CO2 from industrial point sources and storing it in geological formations is being evaluated to reduce the rate of accumulation of this greenhouse gas (GHG) in the atmosphere. Injection of CO2 into coal seams is one method of permanently storing CO2, which can accelerate coalbed methane production, offsetting the cost of sequestration. There is considerable risk both geologically and in the engineering design that can make the large investments required for sequestration uneconomic. This paper describes a program of successive pilots that can be used to determine the technical and economic feasibility of the process at a location of interest. The information is based upon experience gained by the Alberta Research Council during theoretical and field studies performed in Alberta Canada.