AIPG Invited Speaker September 9, 2008 - Dr. Harvey Thorleifson, Professor and Director, Minnesota Geological Survey, University of Minnesota

Abstract

Carbon Capture and Storage - climate change strategy options for Minnesota

Increasing concern about climate change has necessitated assessment of ways to reduce emissions, while increasing our preparedness to adapt. Emissions reductions can be achieved by reducing combustion of fossil fuels, by reducing other activity that generates greenhouse gases, and by increasing carbon storage in vegetation and soils. In addition, the technology to capture CO₂ from sources such as electrical generating stations and ethanol plants is available, allowing sequestration by underground injection. The most prospective rocks in Minnesota at the 1 km depth required to maintain CO₂ in a liquid-like state are sedimentary basins of the Midcontinent Rift, present in two north-south belts on either side of the Twin Cities, running from Pine County and Washington County, south to Iowa. Currently available data, however, indicate that there is a very low probability of success in confirming suitable geologic conditions in these rocks, due to likely lack of adequate permeability - while at the same time, it is recognized that drilling may be required to adequately clarify options. Another geologic technique is mineral carbonation, in which CO₂ is reacted with olivine-rich material from mining, producing mineral products for disposal or use in construction. While Ni/Cu projects and proposals in the Duluth region of Minnesota have favorable geology for this option, the method is not fully developed and the costs remain high. Should geologic sequestration options not be available in Minnesota, transportation of CO₂ by pipeline to a potentially willing jurisdiction such as North Dakota or Illinois will be required to achieve our emission reduction goals.

Biosketch:

Harvey Thorleifson was appointed Director of the Minnesota Geological Survey, State Geologist of Minnesota, and Professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Minnesota in 2003. He holds offices with the Association of American State Geologists, he is registered as a Professional Geoscientist in Ontario, he was the 2004-2006 President of the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences, and he was the 2003-2004 President of the Geological Association of Canada. He completed undergrad at University of Winnipeg, a Masters thesis on Lake Agassiz at University of Manitoba in 1983, and his 1989 Ph.D. at University of Colorado in Boulder dealt with Hudson Bay Lowland Quaternary stratigraphy. While at the Geological Survey of Canada from 1986 until 2003, he worked on indicator mineral methods, geological and geochemical mapping, groundwater, shoreline erosion, and Red River flooding.

Background information from MGS: http://www.geo.umn.edu/mgs/co2_seq.htm

Harvey Thorleifson
Professor and Director, Minnesota Geological Survey
2642 University Ave. W.
St. Paul, MN
USA 55114-1057
612-627-4780 ext 224
Fax 612-627-4778