Report written by our Oslo Office

For effective and safe CO₂ storage for the purpose of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), several considerations come into play. Firstly, selecting an appropriate reservoir is paramount, one that minimises the risk of CO₂ leakage and is strategically located near existing or planned CO₂ transport infrastructure to reduce costs. Ideally, this reservoir should exhibit high porosity and permeability, ensuring a large storage capacity and efficient injection rates. Enhancing storage security involves multiple layers of cap rocks and increasing storage depth. Additionally, a detailed geomechanical assessment of the site is necessary to ensure proper reservoir management, mitigate the risk of compromising the cap rock, and inducing seismic activity. Open-access monitoring and verification mechanisms are crucial not only to guarantee that the CO₂ is permanently stored but also to facilitate industry knowledge-sharing and build public confidence in CCS technology. Operators need to evaluate the impact of old wells and faults that traverse the cap rock, as they could jeopardise containment. A competent authority with fit-for-purpose regulation is needed to ensure risks are handled in a responsible way, and at the same time facilitating efficient storing and industry growth.  Lastly, regions with a history of significant seismic activity require particularly careful consideration in CCS implementation.
Access the PDF below.

• CO2 Storage Report 2024 (pdf)