The Siljan Ring
The Siljan Ring was formed 377 milion years ago when a meteorite hit the earth. It is the largest meteorite impact crater in Europe. The powerful collision created many deep and large faults that extend 15-20 km down. The meteorite impact is considered to have effected an area with 100 to 150 km in diameter.
The Siljan Ring has been subject of much research since impact craters offer a unique opportunity to test hypotheses about unorganic origins of hydrocarbons.
The hypothesis proposes that hydrocarbons from deep within the earth can reach the surface though the deep faults created by meteorite impacts. Geologists and petroleum engineers from many international petroleum companies have been interested in the findings.
A connection between impact craters and presence of hydrocarbons has been found in many places around the world. Impact craters often are excellent subsurface reservoirs.
The local population around lake Siljan has been aware of and observed outpourings and emissions of natural gas and petroleum since ancient times. Igrene is currently measuring methane emissions together with scientists from Chalmers Technical University to map emissions and establish their extent.
Drilling on the rim of the impact crater in the sedimentary structures has proved interesting since these structures can form traps where an accumulation of gas volumes is possible. The presence of large volumes of methane gas in the Silja Ring constitutes a phantastic potential natural resource that could be utilised to produce fossil-free carbon and hydrogen.
Current activities
Igrene’s ambition is to transform methane found in the Siljan Ring into carbon and hydrogen without creating carbon dioxide. We intend to use pyrolysis for this purpose. We have access to a methane source via a bore hole drilled during previous activities. This bore hole is now temporarily seled.
Both carbon and hydrogen are needed in the transition to a carbon-dioxide free society. Carbon is used, for example, to produce batteries. But there are many other interesting areas of application. Hydrogen can be used to replace fossil fuels in industry, and as a transport fuel.
Our activities will be designed to support the global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to the Sweden’s ongoing work to meet its climate objectives.