The Carbon Corner - Issue #68
In this roundup of recent developments, we'll explore a series of initiatives and partnerships that underscore the global push toward carbon capture and storage technologies and low-carbon solutions. From innovative AI-driven approaches to industrial-scale CCS to the establishment of carbon capture hubs in the Dutch North Sea, and collaborations between major energy companies to advance hydrogen production with CCS, these stories represent significant steps in the journey toward a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future. Join us for the 68th issue of The Carbon Corner as we dive into all these things!
Louisiana Takes the Lead in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Regulation Louisiana's geological advantages and existing infrastructure make it a prime candidate to become a hub for CCS projects. Governor John Bel Edwards highlighted the importance of CCS as a tool for carbon management, particularly in the transition to cleaner energy sources. This achievement in Louisiana may encourage other states to seek primary enforcement authority, although currently only Texas, West Virginia, and Arizona are in the early stages of the application process. The US has been actively promoting CCUS project development through funding opportunities and tax credit changes, recognizing the role of CCS in achieving cleaner energy production and industrial processes. Heirloom's Groundbreaking Direct Air Capture Facility Aims to Tackle Climate ChangeIn November 2023, Heirloom Carbon Technologies introduced its direct air capture (DAC) facility in Tracy, California, designed to remove up to 1,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere annually. This innovative technology plays a crucial role in combating global warming and keeping temperatures below the 1.5°C threshold. DAC is one of three main methods for carbon capture, alongside pre-combustion and post-combustion capture. Heirloom's approach utilizes a cost-effective process involving limestone, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and shorter carbonation cycles, dramatically reducing absorbent material costs. This method has accelerated carbonization from two weeks to three days, making it more efficient. Additionally, Heirloom employs modularity, allowing for uninterrupted CO2 collection even if a unit encounters issues. They've partnered with CarbonCure Technologies to store extracted CO2 in long-term infrastructure materials like concrete, achieving a carbon-negative facility powered entirely by renewable energy. While carbon capture credits typically cost between $600 and $1,000 per tonne, Heirloom aims to lower their cost to $100 by 2035, thanks to government subsidies and tax credits. The US Department of Energy has also announced funding for two DAC facilities capable of removing 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually, signaling a growing investment in this technology. AI and Carbon Capture: A Pioneering Partnership to Tackle EmissionsIndian carbon dioxide technology company GAS LAB Asia is teaming up with AI-driven carbon capture solutions developer Carbonetics Carbon Capture in a groundbreaking alliance focused on AI-driven commercial carbon capture projects. As part of this partnership, GAS LAB's DST-recognized Dr. S. S. Aggarwal Research Center will engage in research aimed at significantly reducing the lifecycle cost of CO2 capture. Carbonetics will contribute its generative AI design technology to lower both capital and operational expenses in the process. AI-assisted CO2 capture enhances the optimization of CO2 capture and storage in industrial processes and power generation plants by using algorithms to optimize factors like temperature, pressure, flow rates, and chemical reactions. The collaboration also aims to explore business models such as carbon capture as a service (CCaaS), co-ownership, and operation and maintenance (O&M) services, emphasizing its importance in achieving Net Zero goals for hard-to-abate sectors. Petrofac Advances Carbon Capture and Storage for Aramis Project and Secures bp Operations ContractPetrofac has commenced front-end engineering design work for the Aramis carbon capture and storage (CCS) system, a collaborative effort involving TotalEnergies, Shell, Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN), and Gasunie. The goal is to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial clusters and transport it via ship or onshore pipeline to be permanently stored in depleted offshore gas fields in the Dutch North Sea. CO2 will be collected at the Port of Rotterdam, temporarily stored, and then compressed before being transported through a pipeline capable of handling up to 22 million metric tons of CO2 annually. The CO2 will be injected into depleted gas reservoirs 3-4 km beneath the seabed. Petrofac is responsible for designing the 32-inch CO2 trunkline, onshore, landfall, and offshore sections, as well as the offshore CO2 distribution hub platform, a CO2 pipeline connecting the hub to a nearby storage facility, and control and safety systems. Peritus International, Offshore Independents, and Petrofac are collaborating closely on this project from their shared location in London. Additionally, Petrofac has secured a three-year operations services contract from bp for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project offshore Mauritania and Senegal, covering various management and maintenance services. PTTEP and INPEX Collaborate on Carbon Storage Study in Thailand's Northern GulfPTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) and Japanese counterpart INPEX are partnering to conduct a study on the carbon storage potential in the Northern Gulf of Thailand, working under a collaboration between the Thai Department of Mineral Fuels and the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security. The study aims to lay the groundwork for the development of a carbon capture and storage (CCS) hub in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). PTTEP's CEO, Montri Rawanchaikul, expressed enthusiasm for the study, highlighting the potential for CCS to substantially reduce carbon emissions in line with Thailand's net-zero goals. PTTEP is also leading a feasibility study for the Eastern Thailand CCS Hub initiative in the EEC, targeting emissions reduction in the Rayong and Chonburi provinces and nearby industrial areas. Additionally, PTTEP is progressing with Thailand's first CCS project at the Arthit gas field, set to begin operations in 2027 and reduce 700,000 to 1,000,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually from gas production. Equinor and Linde Partner to Develop Hydrogen Production with CCS in EemshavenEquinor's H2M Eemshaven project is set to construct a hydrogen production facility in the Eemshaven industrial area, where it will reform natural gas from the Norwegian continental shelf into hydrogen with carbon capture and storage (CCS). Over 95% of the CO2 emissions will be captured and stored safely beneath the seabed offshore Norway. Production is slated to commence in late 2028, with the hydrogen plant connected to onshore hydrogen pipelines planned in the Netherlands and Germany. Equinor will secure carbon transport and storage capacity through a project development agreement and offer low-carbon hydrogen to the market, while Linde will build, co-own, and operate the hydrogen production and CCS facility. This initiative is part of Equinor's strategy to develop hydrogen production in several European industrial clusters by 2035, contributing to its goal of securing 10% of the European hydrogen market share by 2035 and reducing emissions. Schaper Energy Consulting is a professional engineering firm offering carbon strategy services to CCS site developers. Check out some examples of our projects here: https://schaperintl.com/carbon-strategies/ If you have questions or comments, please contact us at info@schaperintl.com. We hope you enjoyed reading this week and hope to see you back next week for more! |
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Strides toward carbon neutrality are being made through innovative projects and collaborative agreements. From the construction of the pioneering Porthos carbon capture and storage system in Rotterdam to the groundbreaking research at the University of Queensland on carbon-negative generators, initiatives are underway to combat climate change. Join us as we delve into the stories that are shaping the future of carbon capture! Driving Towards Decarbonization: EU's TEN-T Regulation Paves the...
Strides toward carbon neutrality are being made through innovative projects and collaborative agreements. From the construction of the pioneering Porthos carbon capture and storage system in Rotterdam to the groundbreaking research at the University of Queensland on carbon-negative generators, initiatives are underway to combat climate change. Join us as we delve into the stories that are shaping the future of carbon capture! Groundbreaking Porthos Project: Revolutionizing Carbon Capture and...
In this week's edition of The Carbon Corner, we delve into a series of groundbreaking initiatives propelling advancements in carbon capture technology. From notable partnerships such as Chevron and ION Clean Energy to collaborative efforts led by companies like Rolls-Royce, ASCO, and Landmark Power Holdings, these endeavors represent significant progress toward cleaner power generation and achieving carbon neutrality. Furthermore, the ongoing support from the Department of Energy for...