Block Energy completes first carbon dioxide injection pilot

(Sharecast News) - Block Energy announced the completion of the first carbon dioxide mineralisation injection pilot in Georgia on Tuesday, marking what it called a significant milestone for carbon capture and storage in the region.

The AIM-traded company said 13.6 tonnes of liquid carbon dioxide, supplied by its partner Rustavi Azot, a subsidiary of Indorama Corporation, was injected with water into the Patardzueli-Samgori reservoir, with monitoring confirming no surface leakage.

It said the project aimed to demonstrate the permanent storage of carbon dioxide by converting it into solid calcium carbonate, potentially providing a lower-cost alternative to conventional carbon storage methods.

"We are proud to have delivered the region's first successful carbon dioxide mineralisation injection pilot, having done so through our own cash resources," said chief executive Paul Haywood.

"This represents an important milestone for Block, Georgia and our partner on the pilot project, Indorama, as we seek to demonstrate the viability of large-scale, low-cost CCS.

"This pilot injection paves the way for commercial engagement with industrial partners and carbon markets and we now look forward to building on this success."

Indorama group director Prakash Kejriwal said the pilot offered "valuable insights into how carbon capture and mineralisation can be applied on an industrial scale, helping reduce emissions and align with future EU carbon regulations."

Block said it would take four to six months to confirm whether the carbon dioxide has mineralised as expected, with successful results potentially leading to commercial-scale projects and wider adoption across Georgia and the region.

At 1352 BST, shares in Block Energy were up 17.58% at 0.97p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.