Evaluation and site selection for carbon storage via shallow CO2 injection into serpentinite in British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

This study assesses the potential of in-situ injection of CO₂ dissolved in water for carbon mineralization in serpentinite, specifically in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada. This method has been proven in basaltic rocks in Iceland using the Carbfix technology. These and other techniques for CO₂ storage are needed to help limit the effects of climate change alongside other mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Feasible areas in B.C. are assessed via nine different multi-criteria index overlay analyses for logistical factors such as access to water, proximity to sources of CO₂ and electricity infrastructure. The relative feasibility scores, on a scale of 0 to 10, are overlain on the 84 viable ultramafic formations. Then, geological data was evaluated to prioritize which sites contain 1 km² mapped voluminous serpentinite. Three sites in southern B.C. show the highest potential for a CO₂ storage project: 1) Shulaps complex, 2) Coquihalla serpentine belt, and 3) Tulameen intrusion. The Shulaps and Coquihalla are mantle massifs, and Tulameen is an Alaskan-type ultramafic intrusion. All sites contain partially to pervasively serpentinized harzburgite or dunite. Additionally, six different carbon storage potential estimates are shown for these three potential sites, for Shulaps 141.2–18,682 MtCO₂, for Coquihalla 9.4–1245 MtCO₂, and for Tulameen 2.8–373.6 MtCO₂. In future work, these sites will be further evaluated for feasibility for a pilot test CO₂ injection.