FirstEnergy Corp. is seeking state approval to test the feasibility of injecting carbon dioxide — a smokestack gas that contributes to global warming — into underground rock formations via a deep experimental well in eastern Ohio.

Working with Battelle, a Columbus-based research center, the Akron utility wants to conduct the experimental carbon sequestration project at its Burger Power Plant in Shadyside in Belmont County.

The project is seen as a promising means of capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions from coal-burning power plants.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will hold an information session and public hearing on a draft permit for the project at 6 p.m. June 24 at Shadyside High School, 3890 Lincoln Ave.

According to the EPA, the project calls for heating carbon dioxide under pressure to the point where it has properties of liquid. The carbon dioxide would then be injected into one of three deep rock formations:

• The Clinton sandstone at 8,207 to 8,274 feet below the surface.

• The Salina formation at 6,734 to 7,470 feet below ground.

• The Oriskany sandstone at 5,923 to 5,954 feet.

''In the fight against global warming, it is imperative that we find ways to limit carbon-dioxide emissions,'' said Ohio EPA Director Chris Korlesky. ''I'm excited about the potential opportunities that carbon sequestration could provide in the future and am encouraged that Ohio is providing a home for cutting-edge research.''

Such deep storage would not threaten drinking water supplies, according to the EPA.

A state report released last week said the underground geology in eastern Ohio is suitable for storing carbon dioxide but indicated that more testing is needed to show if the gas can actually be injected and stored near the Burger plant.

That report by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources analyzed an 8,200-foot-deep test well drilled in 2007.

Experts believe the geology of Ohio and surrounding states is well-suited for carbon-dioxide storage and that there's enough storage space under Ohio to last for 180 years.

That would benefit the region's coal-burning power plants, fertilizer plants and other industries that burn fossil fuels and need to deal with carbon-dioxide emissions. It also would benefit Ohio's coal industry because utilities could continue burning that fuel.

About 25 pilot projects, including the one in Belmont County, are under way in Ohio and elsewhere to determine the best way to store carbon dioxide.