National Carbon Sequestration Database and Geographical Information System (NATCARB)
Project # 40936

Primary Performing Organization
University of Kansas Center for Research

The National Carbon Sequestration Database and Information System (NATCARB) is a relational database and geographic information system (GIS) that integrates carbon sequestration data from the Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships and various other sources.  The purpose of NATCARB is to provide a national view of the carbon sequestration potential in the U.S. and Canada.  The digital spatial database allows users to estimate the amount of CO₂ emitted by sources (such as power plants, refineries, and other fossil-fuel-consuming industries) in relation to geologic formations that can provide safe, secure sequestration sites over long periods of time.  See Map.

Through on-line tools, the NATCARB project provides real-time display and analysis of CO₂ sequestration data.  The system links data on sources, sinks, and transportation facilities within a database.  The database will prove invaluable should the nation reach the point where sequestration of CO₂ is required to mitigate the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.  Short of such requirements, the database will be useful as voluntary sequestration is pursued.

The objectives of the project are to:

• Develop a national carbon sequestration GIS and relational database management system covering the U.S. and operating through a portal under the aegis of the National Energy Technology Laboratory website.
• Develop improved on-line tools to provide real-time display and analysis of CO₂ sequestration data.
• Develop additional GIS layers for NATCARB of the amount of energy, direct and indirect, currently used in the production of U.S. commodity crops and herbaceous energy crops, and determine from this information the quantity of CO₂ expended and attributable to these production sectors (visit NATCARB Website at:  www.natcarb.org).

Contact:
Project Manager:  Dawn Deel, dawn.deel@netl.doe.gov

Related Papers and Publications:

• NATCARB Validation Phase Fact Sheet (pdf)