In the heart of Thailand, a team of researchers has been delving into the geological secrets of the Lampang Basin, seeking answers to a pressing global question: where can we safely store the excess carbon dioxide that’s heating up our planet? Their findings, published in the journal “Open Geosciences,” offer a nuanced perspective on the potential—and limitations—of using local rock formations for carbon storage, a critical consideration for the energy sector as it navigates the transition to a lower-carbon future.
At the center of this investigation is Moonpa Kritsada, a geologist from Chiang Mai University, who led the team that examined the Phra That and Pha Daeng Formations. These rock layers, part of the Lampang Group, were formed in ancient river environments, and their sedimentological characteristics make them a compelling subject for studying geological carbon storage.
The researchers conducted detailed field observations and laboratory analyses, including sedimentological studies, diagenesis, and petrography. They identified ten distinct lithofacies types, grouping them into three depositional units that paint a picture of a dynamic fluvial landscape. However, their assessment of the formations’ reservoir potential for CO2 storage was not entirely favorable.
“The Phra That Formation, in particular, has undergone significant diagenetic processes that have markedly influenced its reservoir properties,” Kritsada explains. The team found that primary porosity—the spaces within the rock that could potentially store CO2—has been reduced by various cementing processes, including iron oxide, calcite, and quartz overgrowth cements. Compaction and the presence of authigenic clay further diminished the porosity, leading the researchers to conclude that the Phra That Formation is not suitable for CO2 storage.
Yet, this is not a dead end for the energy sector. The study’s detailed analysis of the diagenetic processes that have affected these formations provides valuable insights into what makes a rock formation suitable—or unsuitable—for carbon storage. “Understanding these processes is crucial for evaluating the potential of similar formations elsewhere,” Kritsada notes.
The findings could guide future exploration and investment in geological carbon storage projects, helping energy companies make informed decisions about where to allocate their resources. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of thorough geological assessments in the quest for viable carbon storage solutions.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, research like this serves as a reminder that the answers lie not just in developing new technologies, but also in understanding the Earth’s existing geological frameworks. The Lampang Basin may not be the ideal location for carbon storage, but the knowledge gained from this study could pave the way for future discoveries in the field.