Around the world, research is being conducted on energy solutions that will help to manage our reliance on carbon-based fuels. Science is taking the next logical step by pursuing a wide range of interim solutions designed to create cleaner-burning fuels and reduce the global impact of greenhouse gases released into the environment.

Hold the Date!
2013 Midwest Carbon Sequestration Science Conference
October 7-9, 2013, Champaign, Illinois

The MGSC is planning our 2013 conference and will once again invite open registration for interested CCS participants to attend our annual Project Advisory Meeting. This conference will include a full day of IBDP research presentations covering all aspects of the MGSC Phase III research activities. The conference will also include a STEP-sponsored workshop and an optional tour of the IBDP site. The meeting will begin on Monday, October 7th and is being held at the I Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign, IL. Full meeting details will be distributed in June with registration opening in July.

STEP attends Illinois Science Teachers Association Meeting
November 1-2, 2012, Springfield, Illinois

STEP participated as an exhibitor at the Illinois Science Teachers Association meeting. Over 450 science educators participated in the 2012 Conference held at the Springfield Crowne Plaza Hotel, November 1-3. The conference started Thursday with a great array of Haunted Physics and Spooky Science displays from the NIU STEM Outreach Center. Teachers visited the STEP booth to learn more about carbon sequestration in the Illinois Basin and pick up posters, brochures and other teaching aids.

STEP Workshop: Global Developments in Carbon Capture and Storage,
September 17, 2012

The 2012 Midwest Carbon Sequestration Science Conference included this STEP developed workshop, which was attended by 70 participants. As regulatory, social, and economic issues continue to impact the development of CCS technologies worldwide, this workshop explored CCS developments from five countries on three continents. Attendees heard hear firsthand accounts of ongoing and planned CCS projects as well as the unique issues and challenges faced in these respective counties. Participants gained insight into global project development including site selection, operations, regulatory frameworks, community engagement, and monitoring. Presenters discussed specific challenges and share lessons learned. The workshop concluded with a panel discussion with a focus on leveraging these global experiences for future developments. Speakers included A.K. (Tony) Booer, United Kingdom; Martin Streibel, Germany; Brendan Beck, South Africa; Cheol Hun, Republic of Korea; Zheng Chang, China.

To veiw all the STEP workshop presentations click here.

2012 Midwest Carbon Sequestration Science Conference,
September 17-19, Champaign, Illinois

The Midwest Geological Sequestration Consortium (MGSC), the Sequestration Training and Education Program (STEP) and Schlumberger Carbon Services welcomed 120 participants to the 2012 Midwest Carbon Sequestration Science Conference, September 17-19, 2012.

The past year marked several significant milestones for the MGSC and the IBDP, carried out in collaboration with Archer Daniels Midland Company in Decatur, Illinois. Operational injection began on November 17, 2011 and is rapidly approaching the 300,000 tonnes mark. This conference showcased current research by project partners as well as gave participants an opportunity to visit the project site to gain firsthand knowledge of our working CCS site. The first afternoon of the conference, STEP hosted a workshop featuring international CCS projects and perspectives. The second day of the conference featured a full day of presentations on the IBDP 1-million tonne saline reservoir injection demonstration, including geology, geophysics, environmental monitoring, outreach/education, and compression/infrastructure. We also summarized our Phase II Enhanced Oil Recovery pilot tests that are now completed. The third day of the conference included a guided field trip to the IBDP project site at the Archer Daniels Midland Company in Decatur. At the well site, participants viewed real-time well data from the RTAC data collection system; were taken to the verification well to view on-going MVA programs; and were taken to the compression and dehydration facilities within the ADM complex.

A unique feature of this conference was the increased international participation, which allowed outstanding networking opportunities. Twenty-five percent of the conference attendees were from outside of the United States and included representation from Republic of Korea, South Africa, China, Germany, Norway, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

To veiw all the conference presentations click here.

Brendan Beck, from the South African Centre for Carbon Capture & Storage, speaks at the STEP workshop.