Description
From 2006 through 2014 the CGS participated in the Southwest Regional Partnership (SWP) on Carbon Sequestration project whose primary goal was to determine an optimum strategy for minimizing greenhouse gas levels in the southwestern United States. The SWP was led by the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and comprised a large, diverse group of expert organizations and individuals specializing in carbon sequestration science and engineering, as well as public policy and outreach. The project is sponsored by the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory.
This is the final report from Phase I of the SWP project covering the period October 1, 2003 through March 31, 2006. Digital PDF download. ENE-2006-01D
From the Abstract:
The SWP on Carbon Sequestration project completed its Phase I program in December 2005. The main objective of the SWP Phase I project was to evaluate and demonstrate the means for achieving an 18% reduction in carbon intensity by 2012. Many other goals were accomplished on the way to this objective, including (1) analysis of CO2 storage options in the region, including characterization of storage capacities and transportation options, (2) analysis and summary of CO2 sources, (3) analysis and summary of CO2 separation and capture technologies employed in the region, (4) evaluation and ranking of the most appropriate sequestration technologies for capture and storage of CO2 in the Southwest Region, (5) dissemination of existing regulatory/permitting requirements, and (6) assessing and initiating public knowledge and acceptance of possible sequestration approaches.
Results of the SWP Phase I evaluation suggested that the most convenient and practical “first opportunities” for sequestration would lie along existing CO2 pipelines in the region. Action plans for six Phase II validation tests in the region were developed, with a portfolio that includes four geologic pilot tests distributed among Utah, New Mexico, and Texas. The Partnership will also conduct a regional terrestrial sequestration pilot program focusing on improved terrestrial MMV methods and reporting approaches specific for the Southwest region. The sixth and final validation test consists of a local-scale terrestrial pilot involving restoration of riparian lands for sequestration purposes. The validation test will use desalinated waters produced from one of the geologic pilot tests.
The SWP comprises a large, diverse group of expert organizations and individuals specializing in carbon sequestration science and engineering, as well as public policy and outreach. These partners include 21 state government agencies and universities, five major electric utility companies, seven oil, gas and coal companies, three federal agencies, the Navajo Nation, several NGOs, and the Western Governors Association. This group is continuing its work in the Phase II Validation Program, slated to conclude in 2009.
