Frio brine sequestration pilot in the Texas Gulf Coast

Publisher Summary Subterranian brine-bearing formations that are hydrologically separated from potable water have been widely recognized as having high potential for very long term (geologic time scale) sequestration of greenhouse gases, particularly the large volumes of CO2 resulting from combustion or generation of hydrogen from fossil fuels. Numerous feasibility and modeling studies document the potential for this type of disposal; however, no site isolated from the complexities introduced by hydrocarbon production is currently available where basic field experiments to confirm model results and demonstrate feasibility can be conducted. The chapter describes a project that aims to develop a suitable site and conduct initial experiments. A project has been developed that will quickly produce information and experience by (1) recycling existing infrastructure, (2) building on known technologies and regulatory processes for deep-well waste disposal and CO2-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR), (3) selecting a geologically isolated injection site suitable for experiments with small volumes of injected CO2 without risk of impact to adjacent properties, and (4) building on the earlier phase of the projects and of the GEOSEQ project. This site complements and extends the results of other planned and ongoing sequestration experiments in EOR settings or future large-scale settings by providing a site for initial experiments in a typical high-injectivity sandstone area of high emissions.