In the heart of China’s coal country, a groundbreaking study is illuminating the path toward a more sustainable energy future. Researchers from the China University of Mining and Technology have turned their attention to the Huainan mining area, uncovering promising potential for carbon sequestration that could significantly impact the energy sector.
The study, led by Yuchen Tian from the School of Resources and Geosciences, focuses on the Ordovician saline aquifer—a deep, extensive layer of brine-bearing rock formations. This geological feature, often overlooked in favor of more conventional oil and gas fields, could play a pivotal role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
“CO2 geological sequestration in deep saline aquifers is one of the most promising methods for reducing emissions,” Tian explains. “The Ordovician saline aquifer in the Huainan mining area has a wide distribution area with high porosity and permeability, making it an ideal candidate for long-term CO2 storage.”
The research, published in the Journal of Intelligent Construction, reveals that the Ordovician Majiagou formation limestone saline aquifer in the Huainan mining area has a total sequestration capacity of approximately 361.1091 × 105 tons of CO2. This capacity is primarily due to residual trapping, a rapid physical process that dominates in the short term.
The study also highlights the suitability of different structural belts within the Huainan mining area for CO2 sequestration. The Xieqiao syncline deep structural belt, the southern wing of the Panji anticline, and the Zhuji collision structural belt are identified as the most suitable areas, offering superior geological conditions for storage.
For the energy sector, these findings are a game-changer. As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, the Huainan mining area could serve as a model for similar regions, demonstrating the feasibility and potential of deep saline aquifer sequestration.
“The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the planning and deployment of CO2 deep saline aquifer sequestration projects,” Tian notes. “This could significantly enhance the energy sector’s ability to meet emission reduction targets and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
The implications of this research extend beyond China, offering valuable insights for energy companies and policymakers worldwide. By leveraging the vast storage capacity of deep saline aquifers, the energy sector can take a significant step toward achieving net-zero emissions, ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape for generations to come.