Lawsuits, regulators slowing CO2 storage projects — study
Source: By CARLOS ANCHONDO, E&E News • Posted: Tuesday, December 19, 2023
A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identified six issues that can affect the development of a Class VI well.
An Archer-Daniels-Midland plant is pictured in Decatur, Illinois. The facility uses a carbon sequestration system.PR Newswire
EPA’s permitting process and potential legal challenges are among the bottlenecks holding up carbon dioxide injection projects in the United States, according to a new study.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University said CO2 sequestration projects can take years to go from initial development to regular injections — with a 90 percent chance the required time is between 5.5 years and 9.6 years. The paper focused on CO2 storage wells on private land.
If steps aren’t taken to reduce how long it takes for a project developer to move through each of the six stages, that “may seriously slow the adoption” of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the United States, according to the study. Carbon capture, which traps CO2 from sources like natural gas processing facilities and power plants, is backed by the Biden administration as a measure to help combat global warming.
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