Sustainable sedimentary resources: aggregates, critical minerals, and the energy transition
Applications of Sedimentology for the Green Energy Transition
Dr Stephanie Larmagnat1, Dr Nikole Bingham-Koslowski2
1Geological Survey of Canada, Quebec, Canada, 2Geological Survey of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
This session will explore how sedimentological research can drive innovation and sustainability in the green energy sector. We invite submissions that showcase cutting-edge research, advanced methodologies, and practical applications of sedimentology that contribute to the development and implementation of green energy solutions. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Reservoir characterization to support Carbon Storage in sedimentary basins: Investigating the properties and behaviors of sedimentary reservoirs to enhance carbon capture and storage (CCS) techniques, ensuring long-term sequestration and reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
• Geothermal energy in sedimentary basins: Exploring the potential of sedimentary basins for geothermal energy production, including the assessment of thermal properties and fluid flow dynamics.
• Mineral exploration in sedimentary basins for a net-zero future: Identifying and assessing critical minerals within sedimentary basins that are essential for green technologies, such as lithium for batteries, rare earth elements for wind turbines, and other minerals vital for renewable energy infrastructure.
• Knowledge transfer from hydrocarbon extraction to green energy: Using the expertise developed over decades from hydrocarbon extraction to support the development of renewable energy. This involves applying advanced sedimentological knowledge to improve the efficiency and sustainability of green energy initiatives.
Sedimentology and Sustainable GeoEnergy: a focus on hydrogen and carbon dioxide
Dr Rachelle Kernen1, Professor Kathryn Amos1, Associate Professor Ingrid Anell2
1Adelaide University, Australia, 2University of Oslo, Norway
The session highlights critical knowledge gaps and advancements in sedimentology related to storing and managing hydrogen and carbon dioxide and exploring natural hydrogen resources. It emphasizes the importance of sedimentological principles and how they are being adapted or expanded to meet the challenges of decarbonization, renewable energy, and net-zero targets. The session aims to foster a broad, interdisciplinary dialogue that includes academic and industry perspectives on the foundational role sedimentology plays in the energy transition.
Subsurface Interpretation and Modelling:
Emphasis on applying sedimentology to the interpretation and modeling of subsurface reservoirs, particularly concerning hydrogen and carbon dioxide storage. This includes simulations, geological modeling, and the integration of sedimentological data into geospatial systems.
Analogue Studies:
Presentations related to the study of ancient and modern outcrop analogues, offering insights into the geological characteristics of reservoirs and the processes affecting their storage capacities. This includes field-based studies that help to inform subsurface storage models.
Rock-Water-Gas Interactions and Digestion:
The role of chemical, physical, and microbial rock-water-gas interactions influences storage capacities and the long-term stability of subsurface energy resources. This includes laboratory investigations of rock properties and reactions with CO2 and H2 over time, which affect storage volume and durability.
Highlight Knowledge Gaps: The session seeks to uncover areas where sedimentological research is lacking, particularly concerning the dynamic needs of the energy sector.
Adaptation and Expansion of Traditional Sedimentological Principles: Exploring how sedimentology is evolving to support energy technologies, from traditional practices to cutting-edge reservoir characterization and management methods.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: The aim is to bring together researchers and industry professionals from various disciplines to share insights and strategies that could accelerate the development of sustainable energy solutions.
Call for Contributions: Presentations that address the integration of sedimentology with emerging energy technologies are invited, focusing on both foundational and applied aspects of the field.