Get It Underground!
Once the power plants capture the carbon dioxide, they need to do something with it. So, they force it underground. Since power plants are already located near carbon-based geologic formations, this is a sensible solution to keep carbon from getting into the atmosphere. The extra CO2 even enhances oil recovery!
Follow the CO2! Notice the carbon dioxide leaving the power plants and factories to be captured and sent underground. Scientists estimate that carbon dioxide which is sent underground could stay there for millions of years!
Carbon dioxide is injected into different underground formations:
Oil and gas reservoirs. Even oil and gas reservoirs that are in use can get a boost from extra carbon dioxide. Pushing CO2 into the reservoirs means the wells can pull more oil and gas to the surface.
Coal seams. A large number of coal seams are already un-mineable. Injecting the coal seam with carbon dioxide actually pushes out methane gas which we can use for energy if we can capture it.
Saline formations. Scientists estimate that salt deposits offer the best option for storing a large amount of carbon for the longest amount of time.