Where is the Industry Going with Offshore Carbon Capture, Storage, and Injection?

Abstract

Abstract With the Sustainable Development Agenda and Paris Agreement adopted, there are emerging efforts to satisfy the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change. This paper will provide the role of offshore carbon capture, storage, and injection to achieve the goals set by the SDGs. The paper will also address industry activities, technical and operational practices, equipment safety, and status of regulations, and codes and standards. The paper will begin with an overview of carbon capture technologies, storage options, and injection capabilities. It will provide details on the current regulatory framework and codes and standards for transportation, storage, processing, and injection of CO2 offshore using various types of structures. The paper will address the areas of additional safety and structural requirements which may be needed for this concept. Additional topics will include the use of green energy options offshore, need for associated equipment verification, and associated risks to environment, people, and assets. This paper will provide a summary of how this application of carbon capture, storage, and injection in offshore may assist in achieving the goals stated by the regulatory drivers, Sustainable Development Agenda and Paris Agreement. CO2 transportation such as by pipeline and vessels will be discussed along with facility processing and injection including fixed platform, floating facility without storage, and floating facility with storage. Current regulations are written for hydrocarbon facilities and these need to be adjusted to address CO2 storage onboard, processing, and injection risks. Green energy options such as wind power may be utilized for offshore carbon capture operations, and these will also be analyzed to reduce the carbon footprint. The conclusion is that as the industry continues to mature, there is a need for continued efforts to develop the regulations, codes and standards, and equipment verification to provide sufficient safety guidance for these operations. The paper provides the value of implementing carbon capture, transportation, and storage for the marine and offshore industry. This technology combination may also provide insight into offshore options for carbon reduction. The paper will also provide insight on risks associated with this operation, the call for development to the codes and standards, and marine transportation and storage of CO2 onboard.