The Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE) Initiative projects focus on development of geologic storage sites for the storage of 50+ million metric tons (MMT) of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from industrial sources. CarbonSAFE projects will improve understanding of project screening, site selection, characterization, and baseline monitoring, verification, accounting (MVA), and assessment procedures, as well as the information necessary to submit appropriate permits and design injection and monitoring strategies for commercial-scale projects. These efforts will contribute to the development of 50+ MMT storage sites in anticipation of injection by 2026.

Current research involves onshore field projects carried out through the CarbonSAFE Initiative. Integrated carbon capture and storage (CCS) Pre-Feasibility studies are focused on the initial phase of development of a 50+ MMT-scale CO₂ storage site. Research activities include: (1) the formation of a team capable of addressing technical and non-technical challenges specific to a CO₂ storage project of this scale; (2) the development of a plan that encompasses technical requirements, economic feasibility, and public acceptance of an eventual storage project; and (3) high-level technical evaluations of the sub-basin and potential CO₂ source(s). 

storage complex Feasibility studies, which have already completed the Pre-Feasibility evaluation, are also underway. Focusing on one or multiple specific reservoirs within the defined storage complex, these studies comprise efforts in data collection; geologic analysis; identification of contractual and regulatory requirements and development of plans to satisfy them; subsurface modeling to support geologic characterization, risk assessment, and monitoring; and public outreach. 

Future research involves the potential acquisition, analyses, and development of information characterizing a storage complex capable of storing 50+ MMT of CO₂. Future research may also potentially involve the qualification of storage site(s) for commercial development, followed by drilling of injection and monitoring wells, conducting baseline geologic analyses, updating models, and implementing risk management and mitigation plans.

NETL-Supported CarbonSAFE Projects Research

The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) currently supports projects in the Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility phases of the CarbonSAFE Initiative. These projects are listed below::