Stories

By Paul Bansil, Director of KBR Consulting International 

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is critical to the energy transition, avoiding carbon emissions by capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) and storing it indefinitely underground. The principle of CCS relies on finding suitable storage sites for billions of tons of CO2 over the coming decades, and many of these will be located offshore. 

Synergy with Oil and Gas 

Continental shelf geology provides suitable sites for storage, and oil and gas fields can be ideal. The depleted oil and gas reservoirs in these fields have proven geological seals that have already been storing carbon, in the form of hydrocarbons, for hundreds of millions of years. Existing oil & gas engineering and infrastructure is set to play a key role, as offshore CCS will involve pipelines, platforms and drilling. But, as it undergoes the massive scaling-up required, offshore CCS faces its own set of technical challenges. 

Power 

In the offshore environment, even something as simple as getting reliable electrical power can be a headache. Offshore platforms typically use gas turbine and diesel generators - a significant source of emissions and costs. Alternative power sources can include bringing in power from shore via subsea cables, or more desirably, using renewable sources in the offshore environment. 

Safety 

Offshore CCS presents unique safety challenges such as the potential for CO2 leaks or discharges, which can have severe consequences like freezing injuries, poisoning or even asphyxiation. Incorporating measures like strategically placed venting and advanced detection systems, KBR is helping to design facilities with safety baked in. This is ensuring that CCS projects are not only effective at reducing emissions but also safe for personnel and equipment. 

Engineering 

Technical demands include selecting or designing compressors that can handle the high pressures and low temperatures involved. Pipework, valves and seals for CCS also have unique demands placed on them. KBR is working with clients to develop advanced material solutions and design strategies that can accommodate the unique challenges posed by CO2 at high pressures, including the potential for cryogenic conditions, while maintaining the operational efficiency of the facility. 

Pipelines 

Subsea CO2 pipelines present significant engineering challenges. One of the key issues is preventing water ingress, as this creates highly corrosive carbonic acid which can quickly lead to system failure. This means pipeline commissioning must be carefully planned and executed, using specialised equipment and techniques to maintain a dry, contaminant-free environment. 

Storage 

Identifying and characterising suitable storage reservoirs is another critical aspect of offshore CCS projects. Advanced geological modelling techniques are required to evaluate reservoir geology, seal integrity and storage capacity. During storage, robust monitoring and verification systems track the movement of the injected CO2 and detect any potential leaks or migration pathways. 

Conclusion 

Offshore CCS projects require a multidisciplinary approach. By collaborating closely with clients and leveraging our extensive experience in the offshore oil and gas industry, KBR is well-positioned to help the industry navigate the complex technical challenges associated with offshore CCS.