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program

Geologic

Methods
  • Removal,
  • Storage

Leveraging Earth's Geology 

When CO2 interacts with rocks rich in calcium, iron, or magnesium, it can turn into rock through mineralization. Alternatively, CO2 can break up the surface metals and form a stable bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) in a process known as weathering. In either case, the CO2 is stored durably for tens of thousands of years. Geologic processes such as weathering and mineralization already draw down an estimated 1.1 billion MTCO2 a year. Under the right conditions, we can accelerate and scale these reactions to store additional gigatons of CO2.

How we're scaling Geologic solutions:

Sourcing and piloting new technologies

Enhanced weathering and mineralization are two carbon removal pathways with enormous potential. We're working to identify promising early stage geologic solutions and to pilot new methods in optimal locations and experimental set-ups. 

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Post

Two CC Lab-Affiliated Projects Receive Frontier Climate Funding

December 15th, 2022

Improving feedstock logistics

Weathering and mineralization efforts need to consider logistics from the start. Scaling geologic processes will require a steady supply of high-purity CO2, as well as rock and mineral feedstocks. The CC Lab conducts extensive research and spatial analysis to locate accessible sources and transport routes for these materials. Our goal is to build a reliable, cost-effective, and efficient feedstock network capable of weathering or mineralizing millions – and eventually, billions – tons of CO2.

The Lab is developing transportation and logistics models for feedstock sourcing. CC Lab, 2022.
The Lab is developing transportation and logistics models for feedstock sourcing. CC Lab, 2022.
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Our Projects at a Glance

Carbon TrapRock

The Carbon TrapRock Project is a carbon removal and sequestration solution for the Pacific Northwest.

The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the world’s largest natural resources for permanently and safely storing CO2, a basalt lava formation known as the Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG). The CRBG spans 81,000 sq. miles across eastern Oregon and Washington, also dipping into Idaho and California. When CO2 is injected deep into this reservoir, it reacts with water and basalt to form carbonate minerals. This means that truly permanent carbon storage is possible, potentially at the gigaton scale.  

We envision a “carbon shed” regional system that sources CO2 from existing industrial plants, direct air carbon capture (DACC), and low-value wood sources from overstocked forests across the Pacific Northwest. This CO2 can be gathered and injected into CRBG basalts, where it will be permanently stored and can contribute to state and national climate goals.

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Project

Carbon TrapRock

March 14th, 2024

All Projects and Updates in Geologic

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Post

Two CC Lab-Affiliated Projects Receive Frontier Climate Funding

December 15th, 2022
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Project

Carbon Removal with Enhanced Weathering (CREW)

March 13th, 2024
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Project

Carbon TrapRock

March 14th, 2024

Publications