Virginia Tech tests carbon injecting

BLUEFIELD , Va., Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Virginia Tech students will test carbon injections sponsored by the U.S. Energy Department.

The students are visiting a coal mine in southwest Virginia with U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va., and will be testing the injection of carbon dioxide into unmineable coal seams, the Bluefield Daily Telegraph reported.

The test is the first of its kind in the Central Appalachian Basin. Researchers hope it will prove that the injection technology is feasible.

Boucher claims responsibility for rounding up about $1.8 million in federal funds for the advanced coal research project.

There has been research going on for years to try to figure out a way to store carbon dioxide, but only recently has testing begun on commercial-scale projects.