THE ROLE OF WATER IN CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION: EDUCATING THE PUBLIC

Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies have the potential to greatly reduce anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. The CCS process involves capture of CO₂ gas generated at large stationary sources such as thermoelectric power plants followed by compression and then transport to geologically favorable areas where the captured CO₂ is injected into subsurface units such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, deep saline formations, or unminable coal seams. Because water consumption is estimated to increase by 50 to 90% with the addition of CO₂ capture and compression using existing technologies, new sources of water supply and augmentation of existing supplies will be needed. Issues of water quality and water allocation have become important subjects of public policy review, especially in connection with increasing concerns about the impact of climate change, particularly in areas facing current or expected future water shortages. It has become increasingly important to ensure that all stakeholders, including the general public, understand the potential dangers of unchecked atmospheric CO₂ increases, the potential benefits of CCS technologies, and the impact that successful implementation of CCS technologies will have on various aspects of the climate system. Through a regional initiative of SECARB-ED, a four-part powerpoint presentation has been developed to raise the level of climate literacy among a variety of audiences. Parts I and II are designed for general audiences and have been used at science teacher conventions as the framework for climate literacy workshops. Part I covers the basics of climate science and relates some of the data that connect CO₂ increases to climate change. Part II explains the connection between water (both natural and produced waters) and CCS technologies. Parts III and IV were designed for industrial managers and other professionals who needed a more rigorous treatment of how CCS technologies would directly affect their operations. The complete powerpoint presentation was used as the basis for a three-hour short course offered in conjunction with the 2011 Clemson University Hydrogeology Symposium.