SPE Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Technical Section
The CCUS Technical Section (CCUS TS) is a dedicated SPE community committed to collaboration, knowledge sharing, and spearheading advancements in Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies. CCUS is a critical solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by capturing CO₂ and safely storing it in geological formations, preventing its release into the atmosphere. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs, along with saline aquifers and other porous sedimentary formations, have been identified as promising long-term CO₂ storage sites.
The Role of CCUS in the Petroleum Industry
Relative to the petroleum industry, CCUS is still in its early stages of development, with ongoing efforts to address technical challenges, economic feasibility, and regulatory uncertainties. However, with over 30 years of experience in CO₂ injection for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), the petroleum industry is uniquely positioned to drive the advancement of CCUS. Industry experts provide guidance in evaluating, selecting, and managing CO₂ storage resources, ensuring the safe and effective deployment of CCUS projects. The synergy between CCUS and oil & gas operations offers significant technical and economic advantages, helping to reduce the environmental footprint of the energy sector while supporting its long-term sustainability.
SPE’s Commitment to CCUS Development
Recognizing the importance of CCUS, SPE established the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Technical Section in 2014 to ensure that CCUS is adequately represented across SPE programs and to provide engineering expertise for the development of CCUS technologies, industry standards, and regulatory frameworks.
Additionally, the SPE Board of Directors recently approved the formation of a committee to collaborate with other professional societies on the development of a classification framework for geologic CO₂ storage. This initiative aims to establish a Storage Resources Management System (SRMS) to standardize CO₂ storage assessment and reporting. More details on this initiative can be found here: CO₂ Storage Resources Management System.
Through continued research, collaboration, and industry engagement, the CCUS Technical Section plays a pivotal role in ensuring that CCUS remains a viable and scalable solution for decarbonizing the petroleum industry and achieving global emissions reduction goals.
Key Focus Areas:
- CO₂ Capture Technologies: Exploration of advancements in post-combustion, pre-combustion, and direct air capture (DAC) methods to reduce carbon emissions from industrial processes and power generation.
- Subsurface CO₂ Storage: Evaluation and management of geological formations, including depleted oil and gas reservoirs, deep saline aquifers, and basalt formations for long-term CO₂ containment.
- CO₂ Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Optimization of CO₂-EOR as a means to improve hydrocarbon recovery while permanently storing CO₂ in subsurface formations.
- Utilization of Captured CO₂: Development of CO₂ conversion technologies for applications in chemicals, fuels, and construction materials, contributing to circular carbon economy initiatives.
- Regulatory and Policy Frameworks: Engagement with stakeholders to navigate environmental policies, permitting processes, and international CCUS regulations for project implementation.
- Monitoring, Measurement, and Verification (MMV): Advancement of best practices for CO₂ monitoring, leakage detection, and reservoir integrity assessments to ensure safe and effective storage.
- Economic Viability and Business Models: Exploration of cost-reduction strategies, funding mechanisms, and carbon credit markets to improve the financial feasibility of CCUS projects.
- Technology Integration and Innovation: Promotion of AI, machine learning, and digital twin applications to enhance CCUS operations and efficiency.
- Industry Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating discussions between academia, industry professionals, policymakers, and research institutions to accelerate CCUS deployment.
- Workforce Development and Education: Providing training programs, webinars, and conferences to equip professionals with the necessary skills to advance CCUS technologies.
Through these focus areas, the SPE CCUS Technical Section aims to bridge the gap between traditional oil & gas expertise and emerging CCUS innovations, ensuring that the industry plays a leading role in reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable energy solutions.