'Curious Conversations' podcast: Ryan Pollyea talks about geologic carbon sequestration
Ryan Pollyea joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about geologic carbon sequestration, which is the process of permanently storing carbon dioxide thousands of feet below the Earth’s surface. Pollyea explained what types of rock this is currently known to work with, the efforts he and his colleagues are taking to expand this to other geologic regions, and the potential impact that could have for the environment and economics.
About Pollyea
Pollyea is an associate professor in the Department of Geosciences and an affiliate faculty member of the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering as well as the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research. His research interests are at the intersection of geofluids and energy resources, including geologic carbon dioxide sequestration, hydrothermal fluid systems, and fluid-triggered earthquakes.
Takeaways
Some geologic formations, such as sandstone, are known to be capable of storing carbon dioxide, but Pollyea and his colleagues are exploring storing it in other types of geology, such as limestone formations and fold-and-thrust belts.
Understanding the geology of these underground formations is critical to potential carbon dioxide storage and a major challenge due to the areas being so far out of sight.
Recent federal incentives and funding have led to increased interest and investment in carbon storage projects, creating job opportunities and economic growth in the carbon management industry.
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About the podcast
"Curious Conversations" is a series of free-flowing conversations with Virginia Tech researchers that take place at the intersection of world-class research and everyday life. Produced and hosted by Virginia Tech writer and editor Travis Williams, university researchers share their expertise and motivations as well as the practical applications of their work in a format that more closely resembles chats at a cookout than classroom lectures. New episodes are shared each Tuesday.
