Professor receives $3M grant for carbon capture and storage research in N.L.
A professor at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador has been granted $3 million to conduct research on carbon capture and storage, focusing on injecting carbon dioxide underground. Lesley James, an engineering professor at MUN, envisions the seabed as a prime location for storing CO2. James emphasizes that this storage method involves injecting CO2 into porous sedimentary rocks beneath the ocean floor, rather than burying it in caves or tanks.
The primary objective of carbon capture and storage is to prevent greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. While this technology has not been attempted in Newfoundland and Labrador before, James, with the help of the provincial government’s financial support, plans to bring this innovative idea to fruition. The $3 million grant will be utilized for acquiring equipment and providing training for students and researchers who could be part of the future workforce in the carbon capture field.
Hamidreza Shiri, a postdoctoral fellow at MUN’s Hibernia enhanced oil recovery group lab and a member of James’ research team, expressed his enthusiasm for the groundbreaking work. Shiri believes that capturing CO2 is essential to preserving the ozone layer and views this research as fundamental for the future. The team’s spirit remains upbeat, buoyed by the prospect of engaging in research that has not been previously explored in the region.
Dorcas Akrong, a PhD researcher focusing on the injection of CO2, noted that a soap-like foam surfactant aids in facilitating the flow of compressed carbon dioxide into less permeable areas of the rocks where it is stored. Akrong finds fulfillment in contributing to a project that promotes environmental safety on a global scale. Lesley James points out that Newfoundland and Labrador could become a pioneer in CO2 storage, drawing inspiration from successful projects in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Norway.
By comparing her research area to “reverse oil and gas,” James underlines the concept of injecting substances into the earth rather than extracting them. While acknowledging the substantial time and effort required to initiate projects of this nature, she remains optimistic about the potential for implementing carbon capture and storage technology in the province. The technological and environmental benefits of this innovative approach are apparent, offering a promising solution to reduce emissions, particularly from smokestacks in locations like Holyrood.
As the research progresses and the possibilities become clearer, the focus shifts towards the eventual launch of practical projects that could revolutionize the energy sector. With ongoing support and investment, Newfoundland and Labrador could lead the way in developing effective carbon capture and storage solutions for a sustainable future.