Upscaling and optimizing subsurface, in situ carbon mineralization as an economically viable industrial option

This CarbFix2 proposal builds upon the success of the recently completed 7th framework CarbFix EC project.

The original CarbFix received worldwide recognition for developing novel, safe, and efficient geologic carbon storage method, which successfully converted injected CO2 into stable carbonate rocks within two years.

This CarbFix2 project has been designed to make the CarbFix geological storage method both economically viable with a complete CCS chain, and to make the technology transportable throughout Europe. This will be done through a comprehensive project consisting of 1) the co-injection of impure CO2 and other water-soluble polluting gases into the subsurface, 2) developing the technology to perform the CarbFix geological carbon storage method using seawater injection into submarine basalts, and 3) by integrating the CarbFix method with novel air-capture technology. This novel CarbFix2 project is described in detail in this document.

CO2 turned into stone for zero carbon emissions

The clock is ticking for countries pledging to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. A novel solution for turning CO2 into stone could change the status quo.

CarbFix2 will move the demonstrated CarbFix technology from the demonstration phase to a more general and economically viable complete CCS chain that can be used in other places where basaltic storage formations are found.

Towards this goal CarbFix2 will 1) extend the original CarbFix approach from the demonstration stage in one location to implementation under more diverse conditions, 2) install and demonstrate a capture process that removes CO2 directly from air adjacent to a suitable storage site, 3) significantly lower the cost of CCS by capturing gas mixtures rather than pure CO2 using a novel water based technique, and 4) increase the safety and geographical applicability of CCS. To attain these advances CarbFix2 will develop and deploy tasks focusing on different aspects of the CCS chain. Efforts will include:
- demonstrating a complete CCS chain from the capture with water of an impure CO2 gas stream at the CarbFix injection site in Hellisheidi, Iceland through its successful fixation as stable minerals in the subsurface
- demonstrating the significant economic advantages of this CarbFix2 CCS chain
- demonstrating a complete CCS system based on capturing CO2 from air, using low grade heat from industry coupled with the injection of this gas into the subsurface using the CarbFix method
- demonstrating the successful subsurface carbonation of impure CO2 at the industrial scale and significantly increasing our understanding of the effect of the composition of the gas injected into the subsurface, on geological carbon storage efficiency
- defining the environmental and safety risks associated with injection of impure CO2 and develop best practices for the in situ carbonation of pure and impure CO2
- assess conditions for the use of seawater co-injection to promote the carbonation of pure CO2 and impure CO2 in porous submarine basalts
- refining novel chemical and geophysical monitoring techniques to follow the fate and risks associated with pure and impure CO2 injection on shore and off shore and define methods to identify gas leaks and outline remediation strategies in fractured rock
- publicising and commercializing the results of CarbFix2 so that 1) they can be applied internationally and 2) to enhance public confidence in CCS