CarbFix

CarbFix is a carbon sequestration project located in Iceland. It focuses on a method of injecting carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide into porous basaltic rock formations. The process leverages the natural mineralization process where the dissolved gases react with minerals in the basalt to form stable carbonates. This conversion is significantly accelerated compared to natural geological processes.

The project was initiated by researchers from the University of Iceland, the National Institute for Industrial Technology in France (CNRS), and the Earth Institute at Columbia University. The CarbFix method involves pumping dissolved CO2 and H2S, often sourced from geothermal power plants in the Hellisheiði area, into wells drilled deep into the basalt. Water acts as a transport medium, facilitating the dissolution of the gases. Once underground, the dissolved ions are trapped within the rock matrix and undergo a chemical reaction, effectively locking the carbon away in solid mineral form.

Studies have shown that the mineralization process under CarbFix conditions can occur within a matter of months to a few years, a timescale considerably faster than the thousands of years typically required for natural mineral carbonation. This rapid sequestration makes the CarbFix project a notable example of geological carbon storage. The site's geological conditions, characterized by young, porous basalt, are considered ideal for this type of in-situ carbon mineralization. The technology has the potential to be replicated in other basalt-rich regions globally.