Open AccessMethanogenic Conversion of CO2 Into CH4
Author(s) -
Scott H. Stevens,
James G. Ferry,
Martin Schoell
Publication year - 2012
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/1041046
Subject(s) - cabin pressurization , petroleum engineering , hydrate , clathrate hydrate , limiting , methane , environmental science , natural gas , field trial , chemistry , waste management , geology , engineering , mechanical engineering , organic chemistry
This SBIR project evaluated the potential to remediate geologic CO2 sequestration sites into useful methane gas fields by application of methanogenic bacteria. Such methanogens are present in a wide variety of natural environments, converting CO2 into CH4 under natural conditions. We conclude that the process is generally feasible to apply within many of the proposed CO2 storage reservoir settings. However, extensive further basic R&D still is needed to define the precise species, environments, nutrient growth accelerants, and economics of the methanogenic process. Consequently, the study team does not recommend Phase III commercial application of the technology at this early phase