About This Item
- Full TextFull Text(subscription required)
- Pay-Per-View PurchasePay-Per-View
Purchase Options Explain
Share This Item
The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
Environmental Geosciences (DEG)
Abstract
DOI: 10.1046/j.1526-0984.2001.008003187.x
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions through CO2 EOR in Texas
MARK H. HOLTZ 1, PETER K. NANCE 2, and ROBERT J. FINLEY 3
1Bureau of Economic Geology, The University of Texas at Austin, University Station, Box X, Austin, TX 78713-8924
2Teknekon Energy Risk Advisors, 1 Hedgefield Court, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78738
3Illinois State Geological Survey, 615 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign, IL 61820
ABSTRACT
Energy and environmental questions no longer need to have conflicting
perspectives. Solutions to problems in both arenas can
satisfy multiple objectives. This paper explores the technical
feasibility and economic potential
of capturing CO2 from coal-
or lignite-fired utility boilers and applying the CO2 to enhance
oil recovery in the mature oil provinces of Texas. This capture
accomplishes two goals: sequestering a substantial amount of
CO2 for an extended period and increasing the efficiency of oil
recovery. Previous research has indicated that a primary target
of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is estimated at 74 billion stock-
tank barrels (BSTB) of residual oil. The present study finds that
8 BSTB of this resource is within a 145-km (90-mile) radius of
the candidate coal- or lignite-fired plants in Texas. Modeling
conducted in this study indicates that CO2 flooding can produce
oil that would otherwise not be recovered, at an incremental cost
of between $6.00 and $16.00/STB. In addition, probably between
12 and 20 years of CO2 production from the candidate lignite-
or coal-fired boilers can be sequestered from these generation
facilities. Preliminary analyses indicate that CO2 capture for
lignite- and coal-fired plants in Texas may be cost-effective
when compared with fuel switching these same boilers to natural
gas. From a policy standpoint, it may be desirable to encourage
CO2 capture retrofit initially, as opposed to fuel switching,
because the former results in overall lower levels of CO2 emissions
at a comparable cost. In conclusion, there is substantial
potential
for using utility plant boiler effluent as a CO2 supply
source for flooding and using mature oil reservoirs for CO2 sequestration.
Development of this
potential
resource base may be
facilitated by further research and regulatory initiatives.
Pay-Per-View Purchase Options
The article is available through a document delivery service. Explain these Purchase Options.
Watermarked PDF Document: $14 | |
Open PDF Document: $24 |