Georgia Power, the state’s largest utility, is drilling deep into the Earth in rural areas to explore a new method of reducing carbon emissions. The goal is to find out if the rocks, located up to 2 miles below the surface, could be used to store carbon dioxide CO2 produced by their power plants. Instead of releasing this heat-trapping gas into the atmosphere, Georgia Power hopes to trap it underground to help combat global warming.
Recently, the company began testing by drilling boreholes at three sites in Georgia to see if they’re suitable for storing CO2. This process involves capturing CO2, compressing it into a liquid-like state, and injecting it into porous rocks deep underground. The idea is that storing CO2 this way could prevent it from worsening climate change.
Though the testing is still in its early stages, the federal government is supporting these efforts by providing funding and tax incentives. As new regulations may soon require power plants to reduce their emissions, capturing and storing CO2 could become necessary for companies to keep operating.
However, experts warn that carbon capture projects carry risks, such as potential harm to groundwater and the possibility of earthquakes. Critics argue that focusing on carbon capture might just prolong the use of fossil fuels instead of moving towards cleaner energy.
Despite the challenges and costs, the United Nations and other organizations believe carbon capture and storage will be essential in the fight against climate change.
Georgia Power is currently drilling test wells in Bartow County, Wayne County, and soon in Brantley County. The company is analyzing rock samples and conducting tests to see if these sites are viable for storing CO2. While no specific power plants have been selected for carbon capture equipment yet, the areas being tested show potential for CO2 storage.
Though the oil and gas industry has used similar techniques to extract more fossil fuels, storing CO2 permanently underground is more complex and expensive. Previous attempts, like the FutureGen project in Illinois, failed due to high costs and technical difficulties.
Georgia Power acknowledges the environmental concerns but insists that carbon capture is a technology worth exploring. They emphasize their responsibility to provide reliable and affordable energy while also reducing carbon pollution.
The company’s exploratory work is still in its early stages, and any large-scale carbon storage in Georgia could be years away. Federal permits will be required, and the process could take about two years once applications are submitted.
Georgia Power is expected to discuss its plans further when it files its next long-range energy plan in January. For now, the company is focused on continuing its research and development efforts to find solutions to reduce its carbon footprint.