1PointFive, a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum, has announced significant progress on its carbon capture and sequestration project in north-central Allen Parish, Louisiana. The initiative, known as the Magnolia Sequestration Hub, aims to capture and permanently store industrial carbon dioxide emissions deep underground, more than a mile below the surface.
According to Doug Conquest, vice president of sequestration project development for 1PointFive, the company is currently leasing approximately 30,000 acres for underground storage from a local timber company, Manulife. The surface area required for the project will be minimal, covering only about 30 acres.
Conquest explained, “CO2 sequestration projects involve capturing carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere during industrial processes. Instead of allowing that CO2 to escape, we capture it, compress it for easier transportation, and inject it into secure geological formations for storage.” This method ensures that CO2 is not merely stored in caverns but is integrated into the rock itself, enhancing its long-term stability.
The Magnolia Sequestration Hub is projected to have the capacity to store up to 60 million metric tons of CO2 over a span of 15 years, with an annual sequestration potential ranging between 4 to 10 million metric tons. Conquest emphasized the safety of the operation, stating that the CO2 will be stored well beyond any drinking water supplies, addressing potential environmental concerns.
Project Development and Safety Measures
In a recent interview, Conquest confirmed the completion of a stratigraphic test well and a subsurface assessment to evaluate the site’s suitability for long-term CO2 storage. All requisite permits, including a Class VI permit, have been submitted to the state regulatory bodies. Currently, aside from the test well, no additional infrastructure has been established at the site.
“Allen Parish is fortunate to have excellent geological conditions that allow for safe CO2 storage,” Conquest noted. He highlighted that the subsurface characteristics are conducive to securely injecting and retaining CO2. “We have been safely handling CO2 for over 50 years, which gives us high confidence in our ability to operate responsibly and in alignment with community values.”
The CO2 captured from industrial sources will be transported via pipeline into Allen Parish for injection through several wells designed similarly to oil and gas wells. The integrity of these injection wells is paramount, and they are constructed with materials resistant to CO2. According to Conquest, these wells are engineered with a high degree of safety, and are subject to oversight by independent agencies in compliance with regulations.
Safety protocols are a priority, and the project adheres to the Class VI permitting process managed by the Department of Conservation and Energy. A comprehensive safety and monitoring system will utilize multiple monitoring wells to check for pressure, temperature, and the presence of CO2, enabling the company to map the CO2’s location underground.
Community Engagement and Economic Impact
Over the past three years, 1PointFive has collaborated with various agencies, including the Department of Natural Energy and the Department of Conservation and Energy, to advance the project. “We are actively engaged in discussions and ongoing assessments with the Department of Conservation and Energy regarding our permits,” Conquest stated. The company is also working on commercial agreements with businesses that emit CO2, aiming to establish arrangements for capturing and securely storing their emissions.
While these commercial agreements are still in progress, the company aims to begin CO2 injection operations within the next few years. Conquest expressed the commitment to building strong relationships with local stakeholders and addressing community concerns throughout the project’s life cycle.
The economic benefits of the Magnolia Sequestration Hub are expected to be significant, creating numerous jobs during both the construction phase and subsequent operations. Conquest indicated that the revenue generated from the project will contribute to local sales taxes and stimulate the broader economy.
In addition to the Magnolia project, 1PointFive is also developing another initiative called the Pelican Project, located in Livingston Parish, east of Baton Rouge. This project has reached its final investment decision and is currently moving through the development process. The company operates an extensive network of 2,500 miles of CO2 pipelines within Occidental Petroleum, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to safe and effective carbon management practices.
Through initiatives like the Magnolia Sequestration Hub, 1PointFive aims to play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while fostering sustainable economic development in the communities they operate.
