This may sound strange, but it is true. A scientific project in Canada aiming to utilize carbon dioxide in oil extraction has been successfully tested, helping to mitigate 5 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
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CO2 emissions from vehicles and factories contribute to the greenhouse effect. |
On November 15, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that if this method were applied worldwide, it could eliminate one-third to one-half of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere over the next century and yield billions of barrels of oil.
This project is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Energy, the Canadian government, and the private industrial sector. Carbon dioxide is transported from the Great Plains Synfuels plant in Beulah to the Weyburn oil field in Saskatchewan, Canada. The carbon dioxide has helped increase pressure and extract more oil from the surface, boosting production by approximately 10,000 barrels per day.
“The success of the Weyburn project could be incredible in reducing CO2 emissions and increasing oil production for the Americas,” stated Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman. He further noted that if this project were implemented in all oil fields in western Canada, “we would extract billions of barrels of oil and reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to that produced by more than 200 million cars on the road in one year.” This also means a reduction in the risk of climate change and allows for enhanced oil extraction capabilities.
Carbon dioxide currently leads the group of greenhouse gases. Many scientists believe that carbon dioxide, along with various other gases emitted due to human activities, will contribute to global warming if remedial measures are not taken.
TUONG VY (According to AP, Xinhua)
