CarbonSAFE Phase III - Site Characterization & Permit Application
Project Eos was awarded $32.6 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy CarbonSAFE initiative.
The three-year feasibility study will cover data collection, detailed site characterization, planning, Class VI Well permit application, and significant community and stakeholder engagement for the project.
Project Eos will help the community determine the potential for long-term, cost-effective CO₂ storage for industrial facilities to meet regional emission reduction goals.
If the results of the three-year feasibility study prove out and gain community support, Project Eos could be a shovel-ready CCS project that local community and civic leaders could consider taking to the construction phase for commercial development.
“Pueblo has remarkable potential to demonstrate a new energy future. We are excited to explore the potential for a regional decarbonization solution anchored in vibrant community engagement and input for long-term social and economic success.”
Ashleigh Ross,
Vice President of Strategic Engagements and Policy at Carbon America
Geologic storage data collection
The goal of CarbonSAFE Phase III is to advance the development of large-scale, commercial carbon storage projects with capacities to securely store 50 or more million metric tons of carbon dioxide deep underground. Activities include:
Two data collection wells to test contents and quality of carbon storage target
Collection of 3D seismic data to show shape of reservoir and lack of faults
Two magnetic surveys to identify undocumented wells / leakage pathways
Class VI Injection Well Permit Application
The EPA developed specific criteria for Class VI wells, which are used to inject carbon dioxide (CO₂) into deep rock formations. Class VI well requirements are designed to protect underground sources of drinking water. If the results of the geology data collection meet EPA requirements, Project Eos activities will include:
Submission of two permit applications for Class VI injection wells.
Start a multi-year permitting timeline inclusive of public engagement and notices, and predictions of performance for 100+ years.
Environmental Studies
Project Eos will conduct a pre-feasibility study for capturing commercial sources of CO₂ from regional industrial emission sources and transporting it via underground pipeline to the geologic storage location deep underground. The commercialization plan includes:
Detailed studies of capture systems and pipeline options
National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) studies
Community Benefits Plan
Project Eos aims to be an exemplar of community-centered carbon capture and storage, focused on how CCS in Pueblo can advance quality jobs, enable further business investment, and promote environmental justice and community partnership. Community benefits plans include:
DOE’s Justice40 (directing benefits to underserved/disadvantaged communities), Quality Jobs, Community Engagement, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility