Project Overview

EXPLORE ACS – or Exploring Potential Long-term Offshore Regional Atlantic Carbon Storage – is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funded desktop study assessing the feasibility of developing carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure capable of capturing and transporting carbon dioxide (CO₂) from large CO₂ emission sources and storing it underground off the coast of the northeastern United States. The project team is specifically focused on the states of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia based on the large presence of industry in the region and the high potential of the offshore underground geology being ideal for safely and permanently storing CO₂. The project’s focus is to address infrastructure challenges, analyze geologic data, and understand societal considerations for a potential large-scale CCS network. 

The above diagram demonstrates the potential steps involved in an offshore carbon capture and storage system. The process involves capturing CO₂ at a point-source (i.e., existing power plant, existing cement plant) and transporting the CO₂ via pipeline or barge to an injection well located offshore. It is not to scale - and storage platforms, if any, will not be positioned in a manner that is visible from the shore. This diagram is for educational purposes only and does not depict activities involved in this project. Diagram designed by Battelle.

Project Team

EXPLORE ACS is led by experts spanning multiple disciplines in fields including geology, geophysics, engineering, and public outreach from Battelle (prime), Rutgers University, TRC Companies, Inc., Aker Solutions, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (Columbia University), and the Maryland Geological Survey. 

Project Goals

  • Addressing Infrastructure Challenges

    Performing analysis on regional CO₂ emission data and the sources of those emissions (i.e., point-source locations).

    Determining transport options for linking CO₂ sources onshore to storage sites offshore, such as using pipelines or barges.

    Reviewing state and federal policies that are applicable for a CO₂ storage project. 

  • Analyzing Geologic Data

    Leveraging existing data from historic oil and gas drilling and seismic surveys in the region to conduct a detailed analysis to determine the feasibility of offshore underground carbon storage.

    Running simulations to understand how CO₂ would move in underground offshore reservoirs and assess potential risk over time to sensitive environmental and commercial industry areas offshore.

    Evaluating monitoring, verification, and accounting methods that would best ensure that injected CO₂ is stored permanently and safely. 

  • Understanding Societal Considerations

    Conducting community engagement to better understand community sentiments and concerns about CCS and to promote opportunities for site communities to be involved in project development.

    Exploring new and existing workforce and economic development opportunities. 

    Communicating potential benefits and disbenefits that may arise due to potential project development.  

The research conducted by the project team will make it possible for CCS to be safely developed in the offshore Atlantic region should potential developers decide to move forward with projects in the future. These efforts will ensure a minimal impact on the environment and coastal communities, as well as the safe operation of a future project. No drilling or CO₂ injection will take place during this project.