Methanogenic Conversion of CO2 into Methane: A Breakthrough Geologic Sequestration Technology

72354S03-I Geologic sequestration of CO2 is a promising control technology for greenhouse gases, however, applied on a wide scale, it will generate thousands of large CO2 deposits in the U.S. This could provoke environmental concern about CO2 ¿waste disposal¿ and jeopardize ambitious geologic sequestration R&D efforts. Fortunately, it is known that certain naturally occurring bacteria (¿methanogens¿) have the remarkable ability to convert CO2 into methane within geologic reservoirs (many natural gas fields were created this way). This project will develop technology for introducing these bacterial consortia into geologic sequestration sites in order to harness their natural methanogenic ability to remediate these sites and also generate large and readily producible new natural gas resources. Phase I will: (1) identify and define the biological requirements of bacterial consortia most appropriate for remediating geologic CO2 sequestration sites, (2) assess the geochemical conditions required for successful application of methanogens in oil and gas fields; and (3) screen known oil and gas reservoirs in the U.S. to quantify potential application of methanogens and to identify high-graded sites for Phase II laboratory and field application. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The successful application of naturally occurring methanogens to remediate CO2 sequestration sites would head off environmental objections to sequestration as waste disposal and open up this greenhouse-gas-reduction technology to widespread application by the power generation, chemical, petroleum, and other industries. The technology also could generate new natural gas resources and even could allow the conversion of sub-economic (high-CO2) natural gas deposits into pure and economical methane deposits.