It is the first in a series of articles on CCS.
What is Carbon Capture and Storage?
CCS stands for Carbon Capture and Storage. The concept is rooted in the fact that carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas, is one of the primary contributors to global climate change. The urgency of addressing these changes has made CCS a relevant and necessary technology.
CO2 levels in the atmosphere can be reduced by storing carbon dioxide either naturally or artificially. Natural storage occurs through processes like photosynthesis, where plants convert CO2 into oxygen and glucose. Artificial storage, referred to as CCS, uses advanced technology to capture and safely store CO2 beneath the Earth’s surface. This technology has been in use for over 30 years, but how does it work in practice?
How Does Carbon Capture and Storage Work?
Step 1: Carbon Capture
Carbon can be captured in two ways: either directly from the atmosphere by collecting CO2 from the air or from industrial sources and combustion processes. Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a newer, less efficient technology compared to capturing CO2 from industrial sources or combustion processes. In the latter case, CO2 is captured from flue gases in large industrial facilities or power plants, where the higher concentrations of CO2 make the process simpler and more efficient.
Step 2: Compression and Transport
Regardless of the capture method, CO2 is a gas. To transport and store it efficiently, the gas is compressed into a liquid form. Liquid CO2 takes up less space, making transportation and storage easier. The liquid CO2 is then transported to the storage site, either through underground pipelines or by truck or ship, depending on the location and distance.
Step 3: Carbon Storage
Once the liquid CO2 reaches the storage site, it is injected deep underground through pipes into geological formations. These formations can include depleted oil or gas fields or saline aquifers. Such formations are chosen because they are well-suited to prevent stored CO2 from escaping into the atmosphere. Operators use advanced technology to monitor pressure and detect potential leaks, ensuring the CO2 remains securely stored. When a reservoir is full or no longer in use, it is sealed to prevent future leaks. This practice, standard in the oil industry for over 50 years, ensures that old wells remain sealed.
Why is Carbon Capture and Storage Important?
CCS is vital for several reasons. First and foremost, it plays a significant role in combating climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has stated that large-scale CCS is crucial to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. Similarly, the International Energy Agency (IEA) describes CCS as essential for achieving net-zero emissions. This underscores the importance of CCS as a climate measure to prevent global warming.
While increased use of renewable energy and nuclear power is critical, it is not sufficient to meet the Paris Agreement’s targets. This is particularly true for sectors where reducing CO2 emissions is challenging, often referred to as hard-to-abate sectors, such as steel and cement production, shipping, and long-distance aviation. Fossil fuels will also remain part of the energy mix for the foreseeable future until renewable energy fully takes over, making CCS a necessary transitional technology.
Carbon Capture and Storage in Norway
CCS is not only important for combating climate change but also for Norway’s strategic position. Norway is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in CCS technology and carbon storage for several reasons:
Extensive Geological Storage Sites: Norway has vast geological storage sites in the North Sea, suitable for secure CO2 storage. While storage is only feasible offshore and not on land, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate estimates that reservoirs on the Norwegian continental shelf can store significant amounts of CO2 for many years.
Offshore Expertise: Norway’s long experience with offshore operations in the oil and gas industry provides valuable expertise in handling CCS technology offshore. This positions Norway to efficiently receive and store carbon from other countries.
Pioneering Projects: Norway has been a pioneer in CCS. The groundbreaking Sleipner project, launched in 1996 off the Norwegian coast, was the first large-scale project designed for zero emissions from a gas platform. Such projects also contribute to Norway’s economy.
The implementation of additional CCS technology and offshore carbon storage can create thousands of new jobs and open new opportunities for Norwegian industry. This is crucial at a time when the global economy is seeking sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. Furthermore, Norway’s leadership in CCS can strengthen its position as a global leader in climate action and technological innovation.
Already in 2021, we featured an episode of our podcast Energisk where the topic was CCS and how carbon capture and storage works. We spoke with Camilla Brox, who believes it is an important contribution to slowing global warming. Listen to the episode here in Norwegian.
Hjort’s Expertise
Carbon capture and storage is a developing field, and Hjort is closely monitoring its progress. We have extensive expertise in this area and look forward to assisting stakeholders investing in this innovative technology.
