Frequently Asked Questions

EcoRoK Carbon Solutions is an energy management company that specializes in helping businesses plan, select and develop a carbon storage facility.

By using EcoRoK Carbon Solutions services, businesses can reduce their energy consumption and costs, improve their sustainability and environmental impact, and increase their bottom line through potential tax credits and incentives.

Using subsurface rocks to store carbon is typically a part of a process called Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). CCS is a technology designed to prevent large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) from being released into the atmosphere. The idea is to store this CO2 underground in geological formations to mitigate its effects on climate change. Here is an overview of how this process works and the types of rock formations that might be involved:

1. Point Source Capture: The first step is to capture CO2 emissions at their source, such as power plants or industrial sites. This involves the use of various technologies to separate CO2 from other gases emitted during combustion or industrial processes.
2. Transportation: Once captured, the CO2 is transported to the storage site. This could be done through pipelines or other methods.

The CO2 is then injected into subsurface geological formations. The types of rock formations that might be used for this include:

1. Saline Aquifers: These are porous rocks filled with brine (salt water). The CO2 is dissolved in the brine, which can trap it for long periods. These formations are often found deep underground and have suitable properties for CO2 storage.
2. Oil and Gas Reservoirs: Depleted oil and gas reservoirs are also used to store CO2. The process is similar to how oil and gas were trapped in these formations for millions of years. Moreover, the injection of CO2 can enhance the recovery of oil from these reservoirs, a process known as Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR).
3. Unmineable Coal Beds: These are coal beds that are not economically viable to mine. CO2 can be stored in these formations, where it adsorbs onto the surface of the coal. This process can also release methane, which can be captured and used as a fuel.
4. Basalt Formations: These are rocks formed from cooled lava. CO2 can react with the minerals in basalt to form solid carbonate minerals, permanently trapping the CO2. This process is sometimes referred to as mineral carbonation.

After the CO2 is injected into the subsurface, the site is monitored to ensure that the CO2 is not leaking and that it remains contained within the target formation. Various monitoring techniques are used to verify the stability and integrity of the storage site.

1. Leakage Risk: One of the primary concerns with this method is the potential for leakage. Engineers must ensure that the CO2 remains trapped underground and does not escape back into the atmosphere.
2. Cost and Infrastructure: Developing the necessary infrastructure for CCS can be expensive, and there are also operational costs involved in capturing, transporting, and storing CO2.
3. Site Selection and Characterization: Selecting suitable sites for CO2 storage is a complex process. It involves detailed geological characterization to ensure that the site can safely and effectively store CO2.
4. Legal and Regulatory Framework: Implementing CCS on a large scale requires a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to manage various aspects of the process, including liability issues in case of leakage.