Underground Storage of Carbon Dioxide

Carbon-based fuels, such as coal and petroleum, are the main source of energy for most countries around the world. Until today, no other source of energy has proven to be as cheap, reliable, and practical as carbon-based fuel. Unfortunately, the worlds dependence on such fuel sources has led to significant increases in pollution. One of carbon-based fuels main products, carbon dioxide, is believed by many to contribute to global warming. New energy sources must replace carbon-based fuels, but many technological breakthroughs are still necessary before the world can give up its dependence on coal and petroleum. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a viable, safe, and highly effective step we can take to immediately reduce the threat carbon dioxide poses to our health, our environment, and our future. Schlumberger has the knowledge and expertise necessary to make CCS a reality. Every year, large amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases are produced when carbon-based fuels are burned. The carbon dioxide released into the air is believed to be the reason for the rise in Earths average temperature over the past century. If the Earths average temperature continues to rise, the results could be devastating. Even a slight increase in the average temperature (1-2C) would be enough to melt the snow on mountain tops, which act as water reservoirs for countries such as Switzerland. Greater increases in Earths average temperature (3-5C) would be enough to melt Greenlands ice cap, change weather patterns around the world, and raise the sea level to a height great enough to flood cities located on the coast. Scientists believe the tipping point (the point at which carbon dioxides effect on our environment would be irreversible) could be as early as 2020. In order to avoid such catastrophes, the world needs to develop new technologies that will eliminate the need to use carbon-based fuels as its primary energy source. This will require extensive research, money, and time. Until significant advances in technology have been made, CCS is an immediate solution we can take to significantly reduce the amount of carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere every year. CCS is a process in which the carbon dioxide gas produced by burning carbon-based fuels is compressed and stored deep in the ground. Old oil reservoirs, brine reservoirs, and certain naturally occurring rock formations can all be used to safely store large amounts of carbon dioxide underground. The greatest challenge CCS proponents face is to prove to the general public that it is both feasible and safe. Schlumberger is taking an active role in leading the way by participating in more than 60 CCS projects around the world. They believe that high confidence in long-term integrity will only be achieved by having a site that has been well chosen, well designed, well operated, and well monitored. CCS is not a permanent solution to eliminating carbon dioxide emissions, but it can buy us the time we need to develop and implement the technology necessary to stop and hopefully even reverse the damage already caused by carbon-based fuels.