|
Published: May 18, 2009 09:15 am
Deep well in Ky. will store coal emissions
HAWESVILLE, Ky. —
Scientists are drilling a well on a western Kentucky cow pasture as part of a project to test how to store emissions from coal-burning power plants.
The 8,000-foot deep well is expected to be completed this summer. The Hancock County farm will be a test site to study the storage of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that some scientists say is contributing to global warming.
"We don't have a choice," said Len Peters, secretary of the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. "We have to do this for coal to be a part" of the nation's energy mix.
Once the well is finished, researchers will inject small amounts of CO2.
The $8 million project has been funded largely by the state, ConocoPhillips, Peabody Energy and E.On U.S., the parent of Louisville Gas & Electric Co. and Kentucky Utilities.
The process known as carbon capture and sequestration has been billed as a way to keep the country and Kentucky in the coal business if the government moves to limit CO2 emissions.
Researchers are trying to determine if carbon can be captured permanently and in an affordable way.
Jim Cobb, the Kentucky state geologist and director of the Kentucky Geological Survey, said the Hancock County project will help begin to answer questions about the feasibility of geologic storage of carbon dioxide in Kentucky.
"This project is a great experiment as to how effective we can be," he said.
Brandon Nuttall of the Kentucky Geological Survey said the project will test the rate at which carbon dioxide can be injected under pressure into the most promising underground formations.
Kentucky can theoretically store 30 billion to 35 billion tons of carbon dioxide, Nuttall said. But the actual amount could be as little as 10 percent to 15 percent of that volume, when areas such as earthquake zones, cities and landmarks like Mammoth Cave are factored out, he said.
Environmental attorney Tom FitzGerald, director of the Kentucky Resources Council, said there are so many questions about carbon capture and sequestration that it is "right now more theoretical than real."
___
|
|
|
|

 |
|
HOLEWATCH/FIREWATCH
TOTAL SAFETY Hiring Holewatch/ Firewatch Working in an Industrial Setting. Men and Women ...>MORE
CALL CENTER POSITIONS
INFOCISION IS HIRING! We will be conducting Open Interviews at Ashland Unemployment Office on ...>MORE
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP
SUPERIOR FIBERS L.L.C. leaders in HVAC Filtration, Paint Arrestors, and FRP Products is seeking a part-time Custome...>MORE
See all ads |
| Premium Cars, RVs and Boats |
CHEVY S10 ZR2
2000, 4x4, runs good, 5sp., 136k, $3,600. 606-922-2273. ...>MORE
GMC PICKUP FOR SALE
1997 Sierra 2500 ext. cab, 4WD, extra heavy duty, loaded, auto. Rebuilt title but had very little damage, low mi., $11,9...>MORE
GMC ACADIA
2008, loaded - every option available! Excellent shape, $28,500. Call 606-923-6612. ...>MORE
See all ads |
|
CABINS FOR SALE
CABINS- (8) on wooded lots. 1 mile from Grayson Lake. Also 2 wooded lots suitable for cabins. 606-474-9164....>MORE
FARM FOR SALE
50 acres, Greenup Co., KY, 3 BR, 2 BA house, barn, pasture, hay land. Asking $160,000. (606)473-1843. ...>MORE
See all ads |
|
MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE
BIG DOG- ‘01 Wolf, 16k mi, 1 owner, must see! $8,995. 606-232-6319. ...>MORE
FURNITURE FOR SALE
Couch and chair & half, microfiber, stain resistant, excellent condition Dining room suite, hutch, table & 6 chairs. 606...>MORE
DOGS FOR SALE
CHIHUAHUAS- Poodles & Yorkies. 740-532-7300; 894-5485; 740-237-6300...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|