Atmospheric Monitoring [Chapter 15]

Publication Type:

Book Chapter

Source:

Geologically Storing Carbon: Learning from the Otway Project Experience (2014)

ISBN:

978-1-4863-0230-7

URL:

http://www.publish.csiro.au/pid/7317.htm

Abstract:

Carbon capture and geological storage (CCS) is presently the only way that we can make deep cuts in emissions from fossil fuel-based, large-scale sources of CO2 such as power stations and industrial plants. But if this technology is to be acceptable to the community, it is essential that it is credibly demonstrated by world-class scientists and engineers in an open and transparent manner at a commercially significant scale. The aim of the Otway Project was to do just this.Geologically Storing Carbon provides a detailed account of the CO2CRC Otway Project, one of the most comprehensive demonstrations of the deep geological storage or geosequestration of carbon dioxide undertaken anywhere. This book of 18 comprehensive chapters written by leading experts in the field is concerned with outstanding science, but it is not just a collection of scientific papers – it is about 'learning by doing'. For example, it explains how the project was organised, managed, funded and constructed, as well as the approach taken to community issues, regulations and approvals. It also describes how to understand the site: Are the rocks mechanically suitable? Will the CO2 leak? Is there enough storage capacity? Is monitoring effective? This is the book for geologists, engineers, regulators, project developers, industry, communities or anyone who wants to better understand how a carbon storage project really 'works'. It is also for people concerned with obtaining an in-depth appreciation of one of the key technology options for decreasing greenhouse emissions to the atmosphere. The CO2CRC Otway Project was one of the first geological storage projects to include comprehensive atmospheric monitoring as part of the assurance monitoring programme. This programme was designed to detect if any change had occurred in nearby soil, aquifers or atmosphere as a result of leakage of stored carbon dioxide. The development of methodologies able to attribute and quantify emissions was a major additional goal of the atmospheric monitoring research at the Otway site. AGAGE Cape Grim CH4, HFC-134a and SF6 data compared to data collected at Otway CO2 geosequestration site.