The Plains CO₂ Reduction Partnership Region

Although uncertainty still clouds the science of climate change, there is a strong indication that the signficant reduction of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is needed. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) offers a promising set of technologies through which carbon dioxide (CO₂) and potentially other GHGs can be stored in sinks represented by biologic materials and geologic formations. Within central North America, the Plains CO₂ Reduction (PCOR) Partnership is investigating CCS technologies in order to provide a safe, effective, and efficient means of managing carbon dioxide emissions across the center of the continent.

The PCOR Partnership confirmed that while there are numerous large stationary CO₂ sources, the region also has a variety of sinks that represent a tremendous capacity for CO₂ sequestration.

The map was created to provide an understanding of the number and extent of large stationary CO₂ sources in central North America. The map also depicts the distribution and extent of oil fields and major sedimentary basins in this region. Many oil fields and deep strata in the basins are suitable targets for the safe, long-term sequestration of CO₂.

Courtesy of University of North Dakota, Energy & Environmental Research Center, 2008.