University of Wyoming and Williams Complete Landmark Deep Stratigraphic Test for Carbon Storage Potential

The University of Wyoming's School of Energy Resources, in collaboration with Williams, has completed a deep stratigraphic test well in the Echo Springs area to assess large-scale carbon storage capabilities. This initiative is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's CARBONSAFE program. The well, drilled to a record depth of 19,098 feet, aims to evaluate deep saline formations ideal for CO2 storage. The findings will provide essential data for future carbon storage projects, highlighting Wyoming's role in advancing carbon solutions and fostering economic growth through industry partnerships.

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Published Sep 19, 2025

CARBON CAPTURE

In a significant stride towards addressing climate change, the University of Wyoming's School of Energy Resources, in partnership with Williams, has successfully drilled a deep stratigraphic test well in the Echo Springs area of south-central Wyoming. This groundbreaking initiative is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's CARBONSAFE program, which aims to identify and develop geological formations capable of securely storing substantial volumes of carbon dioxide.

Utilizing Wyoming's True Rig 38, the team reached an unprecedented depth of 19,098 feet, marking the deepest well ever drilled in the region—over 3.5 miles beneath the Earth's surface. This depth presents formidable challenges, with temperatures exceeding 330°F complicating drilling and data collection processes. The well's objective is to explore deep saline formations, known for their extensive containment layers that are ideally suited for CO2 storage.

Charles Nye, co-principal investigator at the School of Energy Resources, underscored the significance of this achievement, stating that the data gathered will pave the way for safe carbon storage opportunities within the eastern sector of the Greater Green River Basin. This characterization effort is crucial for determining the site's suitability for saline CO2 storage, establishing the foundational studies required for subsequent phases of the CARBONSAFE initiative.

The analysis of rock cores, water samples, and geological models derived from this well will yield insights into key factors such as injectivity, containment security, and long-term viability of CO2 storage solutions. Jaclyn Presnal, Vice President of New Energy Ventures at Williams, emphasized the project's impact, highlighting how the partnership has fostered advancements and crucial insights that will shape broader low-carbon strategies.

This endeavor not only underscores Wyoming's pivotal role in advancing carbon storage technologies but also illustrates how collaborative efforts between industry and academia can drive innovation, create job opportunities, and support the state's broader energy transition. As research initiatives like Echo Springs progress, they reaffirm the potential for private sector investment to deliver meaningful economic benefits while addressing pressing environmental challenges.