GE Inks Energy Department Deal For CO2 Storage Sensors

General Electric's (GE) Global Research division announced a deal with the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory on Thursday to explore long-term options for storing carbon dioxide. GE's sensors used for the project could have applications in other areas like jet engine and turbine development.

Scientists believe it may be possible to store CO2 emissions underground in wells instead of being released into the atmosphere. However better tools are needed to measure the pressure and temperature of the gas in order to safely store the CO2. That's where GE's fiber optical cable senors come into play.

GE is working with the national lab to alter its current sensor, which measures pressure and temperature at one point, to link together on long cables to track the CO2 in the wells.

"The end-goal is to ensure confidence in the long term stability of CO2 sequestration sites. We believe the fiber optic cable and sensing system we're tasked with fabricating will help make that goal a reality, " said William Challener, principal investigator and physicist in the Photonics Lab at GE Global Research.

The sensor was originally developed for geothermal purposes as silicon, found in everyday electronics, doesn't work in high pressure and high temperature environments. GE's sensor could have applications in measuring pressure in high temperature jet engines sand turbines. GE is the No. 1 maker of jet engines.

Carbon dioxide emissions have been a concern but scientists are still unsure what the best method to dispose of the gas.

The two-year $1.2 million joint venture is scheduled to begin in January.

The Diversified Operations groups is ranked No. 48 out of Investor's Business Daily's 197 industry groups.