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Sequestration: Part 3 - In Oil Fields

Source: NETL The US has large oil fields and many are below existing power plants. Notice too that the >1,000 MW power plants are relatively few in number (about 100).

While oil fields are not exactly a great big hole in the ground (remember it is a porous rock that contains the oil), there are lots of small holes and they can be filled with CO₂. If the field is still producing it has the added effect of enhancing the oil extraction process (enhanced oil recovery), Remember that associated natural gas helps to provide the pressure so that the oil will freely flow out of the ground (so you do not have to pump). This is very similar and is a technology that is being used.

Source: EPA A nodding donkey which is slowly pumping oil out of the ground.

If the oil field is not producing then you will not obtain any extra oil or gas but you might benefit from capping the abandoned natural gas wells that are leaking methane into the atmosphere.