CCRR-07 Geological Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide : A Technology Review and Analysis of Opportunities in Ontario Responding to Climate Change Through Partnership

Geological sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2), also known as carbon capture and storage (CCS), has been identifi ed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as having the potential to effect signifi cant reductions in global anthropogenic emissions of CO2. The panel recommends that CCS be included as part of a broad portfolio of greenhouse gas management strategies for mitigation of climate change. CCS is a technical process that involves capturing CO2 from large point sources, purifying the emissions to maximize the CO2 content, and transporting the CO2 to a storage site where it is injected, using a specially constructed well, into deep geological formations for permanent storage. Most components of the technology are proven and already in use in the petroleum industry but it is not yet in full-scale use in other industries primarily due to cost and lack of clear regulatory or policy direction from government. Research to improve this technology and lower the costs is underway in several countries. While world governments debate a suitable legal, regulatory, and policy framework it is prudent to conduct geological research to identify suitable sites and geologic formations for storage of CO2. In the United States, regional carbon sequestration partnerships funded by the Department of Energy have been conducting this type of research since 2003, with industries, state governments, and some Canadian provinces involved as partners. No similar research is presently being conducted in Ontario. Southern Ontario is located on the edge of two of the largest sedimentary basins in eastern North America, the Michigan and Appalachian Basins. Preliminary studies have indicated the potential to store up to 730 Mt of CO2 in saline aquifers in deep geologic formations in the portions of these basins located within southern Ontario, with considerable additional potential in neighbouring U.S. states. Further research is necessary to assess Ontario’s geological capacity and suitability for storage, identify possible risks, and fi nd the best potential sites for injection of CO2 into the subsurface.