1PointFive, a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum, is making significant strides in the development of a carbon capture and sequestration project in Allen Parish, Louisiana. The project, known as the Magnolia Sequestration Hub, aims to capture and permanently store industrial carbon dioxide emissions in deep geological formations located over a mile underground.
Doug Conquest, vice president of sequestration project development for 1PointFive, highlighted the project’s capacity to store up to 60 million metric tons of CO2 over a 15-year timeframe. The annual sequestration potential is estimated to range between 4 to 10 million metric tons. Currently, the company is leasing 30,000 acres for underground storage just northwest of Oberlin from a local timber company, Manulife. The surface footprint of the project is expected to be minimal, covering only about 30 acres.
Conquest explained that the process involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial activities before they are released into the atmosphere. “Instead of sending that out into the atmosphere, it gets captured and then we typically compress it and make it easier to transport,” he stated. The captured CO2 will be injected into the rock formations, which are deemed secure for long-term storage.
Project Development and Regulatory Compliance
Recently, 1PointFive completed drilling a stratigraphic test well and conducted a subsurface assessment to evaluate the site’s ability to securely store CO2. All necessary permits, including a Class VI permit, have been submitted to the state for review. Conquest emphasized the geological advantages of Allen Parish, which he described as having “amazing geology,” allowing for the safe storage of CO2.
He assured that the CO2 will be stored well below any drinking water supplies, reinforcing the project’s safety. “We have been safely and reliably handling CO2 for 50 years,” Conquest remarked, reflecting the company’s confidence in its operational capabilities and commitment to safety. The injection process will utilize pipeline transportation into the parish, where CO2 will be injected through several specially designed wells.
These injection wells are constructed with CO2-resistant materials and are designed with a high degree of safety. They are subject to rigorous monitoring by independent agencies as per regulatory standards. The Department of Conservation and Energy oversees the Class VI process, which includes mandatory checks for safety and effectiveness.
Community Engagement and Economic Impact
1PointFive is dedicated to engaging with local stakeholders and addressing community concerns throughout the project’s lifecycle. Conquest noted that the company is committed to being a long-term partner in Allen Parish. He mentioned that the project is expected to generate job opportunities during both construction and operational phases, alongside significant revenue streams for the local economy through sales taxes.
While commercial agreements with CO2-emitting companies are still in progress, the company is actively building relationships within the community to ensure transparency and cooperation. Conquest confirmed that the aim is to commence CO2 injection within the next few years, pending final project approvals.
In addition to the Magnolia Sequestration Hub, 1PointFive is also advancing another initiative called the Pelican Project in Livingston Parish, which has reached its final investment decision and is moving through the development process. The company operates an extensive network of 2,500 miles of CO2 pipelines, having maintained a strong safety record for five decades. Together, these projects have the potential to store up to 20 million tons of CO2 annually.
Through its ambitious projects and commitment to community engagement, 1PointFive aims to play a pivotal role in addressing climate change while fostering local economic growth.
