| Abstract |
Key findings of this work include:-- The UKCS is endowed with a rich and diverse national offshore CO2 storage resource, key components of which can be brought into service readiness without extensive appraisal programmes thanks to decades of petroleum exploration and development activity.
- The portfolio of 5 sites selected is geographically and technically diverse, and presents options for clean energy and industrial development around the UK.
- Only 2 of the 5 sites require any further appraisal drilling before an investment decision.
- This study, alongside the detailed knowledge transfer products from the Hewett, Goldeneye and Endurance FEED studies characterise one of the most comprehensive and mature CO2 storage potential propositions available within the public domain. This will provide confidence for carbon capture projects and alsoact as a catalyst for future storage development projects.
- This project could not have been completed within the timeframe required without the platform of the CO2Stored database.
- In general, most oil & gas infrastructure is likely to be unsuitable for use as CO2 storage infrastructure. There are however important exceptions which can serve to reduce initial CAPEX requirements. Infrastructure re-use should focus upon pipelines which retain high pressure ratings.
- Access to detailed well by well production and pressure records coupled with detailed well abandonment records are key requirements for any detailed storage site assessment.
Learnings from this project identify that two linked, but parallel, future work streams are required:-- Commercial – create the environment to re-engage industry, build the business case for CCS and CO2 storage in the UK and bring forward CO2 storage developers from the marketplace. Momentum should be maintained on further development of the UK storage resource towards FID.
- Research and Development – this work has demonstrated that there is ample cost-effective storage available to meet UK needs using current technology. However, it also illustrates the opportunities to maximise use of UK pore space and reduce costs further. Ongoing R&D should focus on and deliver practical measures which will deliver within the next 5 to 10 years in the areas of:-
- Operational efficiency – reducing the ongoing cost of CO2 storage operations.
- Storage efficiency – optimising the amount of safely stored CO2 that can be held for each square kilometre of any storage site.
- Industry and public confidence – further develop stakeholder confidence in the technologies used to plan, operate and monitor safe CO2 storage sites.
Together these activities will contribute strongly to delivering the best chance of early mobilisation and delivery of CCS and offshore CO2 storage in the UK and make a positive contribution to achieving the UK’s carbon emission reduction commitments for 2030 and beyond. |
