Permanent CO₂ storage by in situ injection in ultramafic rocks

In situ mineral storage of CO₂ provides a solution for large scale, permanent, safe storage of CO₂. In mineral storage CO₂ forms stable minerals when reacting with silicate minerals, such as in basaltic or ultramafic rocks. Relevant silicate minerals are readily available in Norway, with enormous volumes available offshore. However, in situ mineral storage as a method for CO₂ sequestration is significantly less developed than geological storage, and more research is necessary to determine the viability of mineral storage to sequester large amounts of CO₂. In this project we develop, test and apply models for the mechanical and chemical processes occurring during injection. The models allow us to address key challenges in developing mineral storage as a viable sequestration technology, such as the acceleration of the reaction process, and the relation between fluid injection and reaction. Such models may also be applied to find optimized injection regimes and evaluate the viability of various injection scenarios. We have long experience with industrialization of research and industrial collaborations, and the aim of this project is to develop a research platform in mineralogical storage that can serve as a basis for future industrial partnerships to study and develop enabling technologies for large-scale mineral storage.