In a groundbreaking move for environmental science, OnStream CO2 is developing the GeoDura hub off the coast of Cameron Parish, Louisiana, aiming to store millions of tons of carbon dioxide captured from fossil fuel industries. This initiative comes as fishers report a dramatic decline in catch from 1 million tons to 150,000 tons annually, coinciding with the operation of the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the area eight years ago.
The GeoDura hub, which could be one of the first offshore carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects in the U.S., is expected to store 250 million metric tons of captured carbon—equivalent to the emissions of 58 million gas-powered cars. The project has garnered federal support, receiving a $26 million award to aid its development.
However, concerns linger regarding the potential environmental impact, including risks to local fisheries and the integrity of existing underwater wells. Experts caution that while the geology of the Gulf presents a promising opportunity for CCS, the technology's reliability remains uncertain, with only a few offshore projects currently operational worldwide.
The GeoDura hub is projected to begin operations in 2028, but challenges in permitting and environmental safety continue to raise questions about its long-term viability.