Summary
This foundational research project is assessing the geological carbon capture and storage (CCS) potential for the Nechako Basin, assisting the transition to a net-zero emissions economy and potentially diversifying economies across central and northern British Columbia. The basin lies in BC’s North Central, South Central and Northwest regions, and the project is focussing south-southwest of Prince George. The research will provide industry, communities and Indigenous groups with geological CCS data to inform clean energy decisions and guide actions.
Historical geological exploration in the Nechako Basin has revealed Jurassic and Cretaceous zones with good reservoir characteristics, an important attribute for carbon sequestration. With its proximity to infrastructure and greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters, carbon storage options could significantly reduce GHG emissions and enable development of potential future clean energy projects (e.g., hydrogen produced using natural gas).
The project will compile all available geoscience data and reports for the basin, focusing on deep saline aquifers, to identify and quantify carbon storage potential. The published and freely available results will provide data and information that can be used to evaluate CCS opportunities.
Current research funders are the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, Enbridge, Foresight’s BC Net Zero Innovation Network and Geoscience BC. Geoscience BC will continue to seek additional support.
