The UK’s North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has released two sets of guidance aimed at assisting the industry in preparing for the injection of carbon dioxide (CO2) into storage sites, marking a significant step in the country’s carbon storage initiatives, says an article published on offshore energy website.
Summary
- The UK’s North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) released two sets of guidance for managing CO2 storage sites, supporting the country’s carbon storage initiatives.
- The UK government plans substantial investment, aiming to store carbon equivalent to removing 6 million cars and creating 50,000 jobs by 2050.
- The first guidance focuses on accurate CO2 measurement during injection, crucial for modeling CO2 behavior and ensuring correct payments under the Carbon Trading Scheme.
- The second guidance clarifies requirements for defining carbon storage sites and emphasizes licensee responsibilities in managing and detecting potential leaks.
- Licensees are advised to provide precise definitions to identify CO2 movement deviations and enable prompt actions in case of issues.
Government Vision And Investment
The UK Government’s vision for the carbon storage industry includes substantial investment of up to £20 billion, aiming to store the carbon equivalent of removing 6 million cars from the road and supporting 50,000 jobs by 2050.
Guidance For CO2 Measurement In Storage Permit Applications
The “Guidance for Measurement of Carbon Dioxide for Carbon Storage Permit Applications” outlines NSTA’s expectations regarding accurate CO2 measurement during injection. Accurate measurement of injection flow rates is crucial for modeling CO2 behavior in reservoirs and ensuring correct payments under the Carbon Trading Scheme.
Requirements For Carbon Storage Site Definition
The second guidance, “Requirements for the definition of a carbon storage site, storage complex and hydraulic unit,” clarifies how to determine the extent of a storage site and emphasizes licensee responsibilities in managing and detecting potential leaks.
Importance Of Precise Definitions
Licensees are advised to provide precise definitions of storage spaces and surrounding areas to identify any deviations in CO2 movement or containment. This clarity enables prompt preventive or remedial actions in case of issues.
Immediate Impact And Industry Advancements
The guidance is expected to benefit licensees of advanced projects like the Track 1 clusters at Hynet, Northern Endurance, Acorn, and Viking. These projects, along with new licensees, will benefit from the clear directives provided.
Developments In The UK’s CO2 Storage Industry
In 2023, the UK’s CO2 transportation and storage industry saw significant progress, including the award of 21 licenses in the country’s first carbon storage licensing round, establishment of a dedicated NSTA carbon storage development team, and advancements in permit applications for Track 1 and 2 projects.
Upcoming Decisions And Consultations
Decisions on four Track 1 applications are expected in 2024. Additionally, ongoing consultations will determine the data sharing requirements for carbon storage, aiding future site development and industry collaboration.
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Source: offshore energy
