Overview of World Bank CCUS Program Activities in Mexico

Abstract

This paper describes Phase I of the World Bank Group's (WBG) technical assistance project for the development of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) in Mexico. Phase I was concluded in early 2016 and saw the completion of three studies:1.A pre-feasibility study of a proposed post-combustion capture (PCC) pilot plant at a natural gas-fired combined-cycle (NGCC) power plant in Mexico. This study, carried out by NEXANT Inc. under a consultant's assignment from the WBG, included a comparative techno-economic evaluation of six advanced amine-based PCC technologies and a generic amine-based conceptual pilot plant design.2.A review of state-of-the-art practices related to combining carbon dioxide-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) with geological storage of CO2 in Mexico. Specifically, this review, conducted by the Battelle Memorial Institute under a consultant's assignment from the WBG, assessed the requirements a CO2-EOR project must satisfy in order to qualify as a permanent storage project and earn carbon credits.3.A study of the development of a CCUS regulatory framework for Mexico. This study, prepared by Milieu Ltd. under a consultant's assignment from the WBG, undertook a comprehensive and in-depth assessment of the current regulatory framework in Mexico as it pertains to CCUS, identified critical gaps and barriers that are expected to impede the development and implementation of CCUS, and made a series of recommendations for overcoming these and barriers.These three studies, funded by the WBG administered Trust Fund for Carbon Capture and Storage Capacity Building in Developing Countries (WB CCS TF), form the foundation for further work and will benefit the implementation of the planned pilot projects. The subject studies were also important for building capacity, increasing the awareness of CCUS among the various stakeholders in CCUS and building up their capacity, in line with the objectives of the WB CCS TF.