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CO2 Sequestration at Hellisheidi Commences in May 2009

20.10.2008 During the recent meeting of the Scientific Steering Committee of Carbfix held in Iceland 16-17 October, it is aimed at that CO2 sequestration at Reykjavik Energy‘s Hellisheidi Power Plant will commence in May. The aim of the Carbfix Project is studying the feasibility of sequestering the green-house-gas carbon dioxide into basaltic bedrock and store it there permanently as a mineral. Recent months have seen extensive experiments, groundwater studies and tracer tests at the site.



The project aim is to imitate a natural process taking place in volcanic, basaltic areas which might, if proven successful, lead to applicability in other areas containing basaltic shields. In nature, carbon dioxide rises to the surface with steam from magma chambers deep in the Earth‘s crust. A portion of it reacts with the basalt, creating calcite crystals.

The Carbfix Project includes capturing CO2 from the steam in the Hengill Geothermal area, mixing it with fresh water and injecting it back into the bedrock through boreholes of 400 to 800 meters. The scientists are currently experimenting with ideal temperature and pressure of the carbonated water.

The Scientific Steering Committee comprises a number of renowned scientists from the project‘s owners; Reykjavik Energy, The University of Iceland, Columbia University and the French Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in Toulouse (National Center for Scientific Research). One of the world‘s foremost atmosphere scientists, dr. Wallace Broecker, sits on the Committee on behalf of Columbia University. Last year he received the Crafoord Prize for his outstanding achievements in geosciences. Also, dr. Broecker recently authored the book Fixing Climate, in which the Carbfix Project is discussed.