In its fourth phase the CO2 Capture Project (CCP), a technology research collaboration of seven major energy companies, has for the first time begun to explore the separation of CO2 from natural gas extraction, according to the project’s Annual Report 2015, released last week. “Capture activity has in the past focused on three scenarios of most relevance to the oil and gas industry in terms of CO2 emissions management: oil refineries, heavy oil extraction and natural gas power generation. To these, the membership has agreed to add a fourth scenario for focus during CCP4 – separation of CO2 from natural gas extraction,” the report explains.
The first phase of the CCP ran from 2000-2004 and consisted of screening and proof of concept. The second phase, from 2004-2009, focused on intensive development. The third, which wrapped up last year, focused on demonstration. The fourth phase, which is ongoing, seeks to support the development and demonstration of new CCS technologies for both CO2 capture and storage.
In its new investigation into the separation of CO2 from natural gas extraction, the project has launched a study of offshore natural gas extraction to “identify potential technology development projects.” The study is expected to be completed by mid-2016, according to the report.
