According to some government scientists, it is possible to store carbon dioxide released by humans deep underground in coal seams. Whilst this seems like a good idea, there are advantages and disadvantages to the scheme.

When carbon dioxide is pumped into the coal seam, the process may release some methane already present in the coal, and this methane could be used in industry. However, some toxic metals trapped in the coal may also be released and these could cause water contamination. Dependent on the depth of the coal being injected will depend on whether any toxic metal release would actually have a harmful effect or not. Only coal seams that are not good for coal mining would be considered as storage facilities.

Storing carbon dioxide in coal is just one method of carbon sequestration that researchers are currently looking at. Other possible avenues include pumping greenhouse gases into oil well to extract the last few drops of oil, or in brine aquifers.

If carbon dioxide is pumped into coal, it is believed that the carbon could be stored there indefinitely. The National Energy Technology Laboratory in the US has already built a laboratory that simulates the pressure, temperatures and stresses that affect deep coal seams so that they can test out carbon dioxide injection in a controlled environment.

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