How are geologic sequestration sites chosen?
In the United States, DOE’s Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships will manage this process in conjunction with the EPA. In general, goals for geological CO2 storage selection are to analyze how much CO2 can be stored at a potential storage site, and to demonstrate that the site is capable of meeting required storage performance standards. This requires collection of the myriad geological data needed to reach these criteria. By its nature, the process will be site specific in most respects. Much of the data will be integrated into geological models that will be used to simulate and predict the performance of the storage site. Other considerations are whether the site can be operated safely and how to accomplish it; whether there is a legal and regulatory framework within which the storage project can be undertaken; and whether the project is economically feasible.
