Isotope hydrology research group

Research classification (Frascati)
Keyword
isotope hydrogeology
groundwater
paleoclimatology
polar research
CO₂ and hydrogen storage
Baltic Artesian Basin (BAB)
Overview
The Division of Isotope Geology was formed inthe early 1970s with the aim to study the historyof Quaternary glaciations and of using isotopicand geochemical indicators in polar ice-cores.Over the years, the division’s main researchareas have been expanded to hydrogeology ofthe Baltic Artesian Basin, as well as CO2 andhydrogen capture and storage.The group holds a modern analytical facilitywith two isotope-ratio mass-spectrometers withsample preparation lines, a laser spectrometerfor analysing oxygen and hydrogen isotopes fromwater, and an ion chromatograph.
Important results
The main results in 2021 include concluding apaper about the origin and evolution of groundwaters in the Baltic sedimentary basin and basement rocks (Vaikmäe et al. 2021). Activities under the CCUS and hydrogen storage topics wererelated to the Horizon2020 project Cleanker andERASMUS+ project CIRCEXTIN. As a result,12 Heidelberg Cement Group and Buzzi Unicemcement plants were recommended for integrationinto the 12 largerst CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage) cluster projects worldwide.Two Baltic onshore and offshore CCUS scenariosfor the largest cement and energy producers inthe region were proposed. Our onshore CCUSscenario includes CO2 emissions from six largestCO2 producers from Estonia and Latvia, CO2 mineral carbonation of Estonian oil shale ash andpipeline transport and storage of captured CO2into the North-Blidene structure in Latvia. Atthe EU Emission Allowance Price 40 €/t CO2 and50 €/t for precipitated CaCO3 the CCUS scenariocould be beneficial for three Eesti Energia andLatvenergo TEC-2 power plants (PP).
Related department
Publications related to the research group