Taking CO₂ to new depths

2010-10-14

The concept of disposing carbon dioxide (CO₂) underground is emerging as a serious option in addressing the many environmental challenges associated with increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Since a portion of Canada’s energy is derived from CO₂-emitting fossil fuels (coal and oil), and as the Canadian economy depends significantly on the production, export and use of these resources, it is not surprising that Canada has become a world leader in developing CO₂ capture and storage (CCS) technology.

The Canadian federal government has already committed $3 billion to CCS research. Several CCS projects are underway across the country, funded by various government agencies, industry and research institutions, including support for the world’s first and largest CCS site. Located in the oilfields of Saskatchewan, Cenovus Energy’s Weyburn facility operates an enhanced oil recovery project that has a potential CO₂ sequestration capacity of up to 55 million tons.

CO₂ from a synthetic fuel operation in North Dakota is delivered to Weyburn by pipeline and then injected into an underground oilfield. While some of the CO₂ remains in the depleted portion of the oilfield, other amounts return to the surface to be recaptured and used again to extract more oil from below the ground.

A lingering concern related to CCS technology, however, is whether underground sequestration sites will be safe, secure and environmentally sound over the longterm.

An agreement signed in June 2010 by the International Performance Assessment Centre for Geologic Storage of Carbon Dioxide (IPAC–CO₂) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) will go a long way toward addressing that concern. The two organizations have agreed to develop the world’s first standard for the geologic storage of carbon dioxide.

Based in Regina, Saskatchewan, IPAC-CO₂ Research Inc. is a non-government organization founded in 2009 to provide independent performance assessment for geologic storage of carbon dioxide.

“IPAC will provide public, regulator and industry confidence in the safety and permanence of geological storage of carbon dioxide,” says Carmen Dybwad, IPACCO₂’s chief executive officer. “We want to make sure that people understand that CO₂ storage is a good tool to keep carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. We need standards to instil that kind of confidence.”

Dybwad believes that establishing public confidence in geologic storage of CO₂ will open up international markets for those companies working in the CO₂ capture and storage field. She expects that this will benefit Canada’s energy sector and that it will, by extension, positively impact the Canadian economy.

According to Dybwad, the new standard will deal with screening and selection of potential storage locations, as well as the design, construction, operation, monitoring and closure of sites.

Dybwad explains that a technical committee comprised of an equal number of stakeholders from Canada and the United States will scrutinize the standard drafted by IPAC-CO₂ and CSA. After a public review, the finalized standard will be presented to the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) for approval as a National Standard of Canada. It is anticipated to become the world’s first formally recognized CCS standard for this sector.

Rhona DelFrari, media relations manager for Cenovus Energy says that “(CO₂) sequestration alone is not really an option because there is no financial incentive for companies to do that. It costs a lot of money to capture the CO₂, transport it to an appropriate storage site and inject it into the ground.” DelFrari adds that legislation and government support would contribute to CO₂ sequestration being adopted on a larger scale.DelFrari recognizes that better government linkages are needed for certain companies to invest in this method of CO₂ sequestration.

Jeff Walker, the CSA project manager for the CO₂ storage standard process, is confident that this growing technology will sell itself once additional standards are harmonized and Canadians realize the great potential of storing CO₂.

“The standard will ensure that storage facilities are developed and operated in as safe a way as possible,” says Walker. “It has not only economic value for the energy industry and for Canada, but also environmental value, and it will provide safety for those living and working near the storage sites.”

Walker points to the bi-national nature of the committee addressing the CO₂ geologic storage standard process as creating an increased potential for harmonization with the U.S. and for eventual adoption internationally.

“By harmonizing standards, there are a number of benefits,” adds Walker. “If there is one recognized standard across borders, you don’t have to deal with different and potentially contradictory guidelines. You also don’t have to do the administrative work for different jurisdictions. Common rules also make it easier for companies and individuals to work across borders.”

Taking CO₂ capture and sequestration underground will give this made-in-Canada standard a heightened stature, and set the stage for environmental benefits and economic rewards at home as well as internationally.

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This article first appeared in Volume 37 of CONSENSUS Magazine, 2010. The information it contains was accurate at the time of publication but has not been updated or revised since, and may not reflect the latest updates on the topic. If you have specific questions or concerns about the content, please contact the Standards Council of Canada.

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