For the International Energy Agency too, the capture, use and storage of carbon dioxide will be fundamental to achieving zero emissions within this century.
by
Giuseppe Sammarco
18 February 2021
5 min read
by
Giuseppe Sammarco
18 February 2021
5 min read
One of the technologies that prevents the emission of carbon dioxide molecules into the atmosphere is called Carbon dioxide Capture & Utilization or Storage, better known by the acronym CCUS. How does CCUS work? In simple terms, it involves two stages: in the first stage, particular technologies are used to capture and separate the carbon dioxide molecules – for example those found in the fumes from fossil fuel combustion – from the other molecules with which they are mixed; at this point, the second phase comes into play, in which the carbon dioxide is stored in safe places (storage) or is used to produce other substances (utilization) undergoing chemical transformation. In both cases, however, its dispersion into the atmosphere is avoided. In the case of storage, the captured carbon dioxide is transported to sites where it can be injected into the subsoil, in safe “deposits” (geological storage, such as depleted hydrocarbon deposits or saline aquifers), capable of containing it without leakage in the longer term.
To prevent the risk of accidents and ensure the maximum safety of these plants, CO2 geological storage projects are preceded by in-depth studies on the characteristics of the reservoirs used as storage sites, to certify their suitability. The projects also envisage a system for monitoring the stored carbon dioxide continuously to ensure that there is no leakage or migration from the storage site over time. Carbon dioxide is, after all, not a toxic gas: the human body breathes and produces it, emitting it in exhalation. Only in extremely high concentrations, of more than 10 times those currently found in the atmosphere, does carbon dioxide prevent the correct supply of oxygen to the body and thus begin to cause health problems. Carbon dioxide could also be stored in the depths of the oceans, where it would remain confined due to the high pressure of the water column above it. This option, however, has never been applied and its impact on the marine ecosystem is still being tested on a small scale. The alternative to storing the captured carbon dioxide is to use it. Many processes use carbon dioxide as a raw material to produce chemical intermediates, plastics, fuels, to feed the algae from which biofuels are obtained and to produce carbonates that can be used in construction. There are many possible uses; the problem is that transforming carbon dioxide into products requires a lot of energy and expensive plants. If the energy needed for these processes is produced from fossil fuels, much of the benefits in terms of reducing carbon dioxide emissions could be lost.
Internationally, CCUS is considered an important tool for the decarbonization of the energy system. The same International Energy Agency (IEA) in a recent report (CCUS in Clean energy Transitions) stated that the capture, utilization and storage of carbon dioxide must be a fundamental pillar of the efforts required to eliminate net greenhouse gas emissions within this century. In addition, many of the countries that have already declared they intend to achieve this goal have shown great interest in this class of instruments, considering them useful to reaching this ambitious target. As regards the theoretical underground storage capacity, the OGCI (Oil & Gas Climate Initiative) is currently carrying out a survey of suitable sites and has recently provided a rough estimate for the projects considered so far (512 in 12 countries or regions) totaling more than 12,000 billion tons of carbon dioxide. Taking into account this potential (albeit estimated) and the fact that annual anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions today total nearly 35 billion tons, the option of storage is not just a solution that will soon be available, but it could also be adopted for many years to come, pending the development of zero-emission energy sources.
The technologies that capture and store or utilize carbon dioxide are still too expensive and energy intensive to be adopted on a broad scale. In particular, if the goal is to capture a large proportion - close to or greater than 90 percent - of the CO2 contained in a gas mixture, the costs and energy consumption rise exponentially. The hope is that technological innovation and economies of scale and learning acquired during the first major projects will enable the reduction of costs and energy intensity, making these options viable on a commercial scale. In fact, new more efficient technologies are currently under research and development, while the first large-scale carbon dioxide capture and sequestration projects that use technologies already proven and available are underway. Eni is also making efforts in this field. The various initiatives under research include two that would successfully combine Eni's vast knowledge of reservoir dynamics with these new technologies: the first is the construction of one of the largest carbon dioxide capture and storage hubs, using as storage site the now depleted natural gas fields in the Middle Adriatic, off the coast of Ravenna (Italy); the second initiative under consideration concerns the UK. In October 2020, Eni obtained a license from the UK Oil and Gas Authority for a storage project in Liverpool Bay, in the eastern Irish Sea. Finally, in the field of the utilization of carbon dioxide, Eni is evaluating some possibilities of integration with the activities it already performs in the natural gas and green chemistry sectors. All the projects under research are described on the Eni website (www.eni.com).
THIS WEBSITE (AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN) DOES NOT CONTAIN OR CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF SECURITIES FOR SALE, OR SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE SECURITIES OR IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES (INCLUDING ITS TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS, ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA) OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF ANY U.S. PERSON AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE SECURITIES ACT (A "U.S. PERSON"), AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN OR SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD REQUIRE THE APPROVAL OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES OR OTHERWISE BE UNLAWFUL (THE "OTHER COUNTRIES"). THE SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR PURSUANT TO THE CORRESPONDING REGULATIONS IN FORCE IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR THE “OTHER COUNTRIES” AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO A U.S. PERSON UNLESS THE SECURITIES ARE REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE. NO PUBLIC OFFERING OF SUCH SECURITIES IS INTENDED TO BE MADE IN THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN OR IN THE “OTHER COUNTRIES.”
In any Member State of the European Economic Area ("EEA"), the information contained in this website is only directed at and may only be communicated to persons who are "qualified investors" ("Qualified Investors") within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the "Prospectus Regulation").
The information to which this website gives access is directed only at persons (i) who are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (ii) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Order or (iii) to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which this communication relates is only available to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons, or in the EEA, with Qualified Investors. Any person who is not a relevant person, a Qualified Investor or otherwise permitted under applicable law or regulation to access the information, should not act or rely on the information contained herein.
Confirmation of Understanding and Acceptance of Disclaimer
These materials are for informational purposes only and are not directed to, nor are they intended for, access by persons located or resident in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or South Africa or any of the Other Countries. I certify that:
I am not resident of, or located in, the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or South Africa or any of the Other Countries or I am not a U.S. Person; or
If I am a resident of, or located in, the EEA, I am a Qualified Investor within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation; or
If I am a resident of, or located in, the United Kingdom, I am a Qualified Investor and a relevant person.
I have read and understood the disclaimer set out above. I understand that it may affect my rights. I agree to be bound by its terms and I am permitted under applicable law and regulations to proceed to the following parts of this website.
WARNING: the above certification constitutes a "self-certification" pursuant to Decree of the President of the Italian Republic No. 445 of 28 December 2000. False certifications are punishable by law.
You must read the following information before continuing.
The information contained in this segment of the website is not intended for, and must not be accessed or distributed or disseminated to persons resident or physically present in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan or any other jurisdiction in which it is unlawful to do so. The information also is not intended for, and must not be accessed or distributed or disseminated to persons resident or physically present in Italy who are not “qualified investors” (investitori qualificati), as defined in Article 2, letter e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “Prospectus Regulation”) pursuant to Article 1, fourth paragraph, letter a) of the Prospectus Regulation as implemented in Italy by Article 35, paragraph 1, letter d) of CONSOB regulation No. 20307 of February 15, 2018.
By clicking the button below labeled “I agree”, you are certifying that (A) if you are in the European Economic Area, you are a “Qualified Investor”; (B) you are not accessing this portion of the website from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada or Japan; (C) if you are a resident or physically present in Italy, you are a qualified investor as defined under the Prospectus Regulation as implemented in Italy by Article 35, paragraph 1, letter d) of CONSOB regulation No. 20307 of February 15, 2018; and (D) you are not located in a jurisdiction where it is unlawful to access this portion of the website.
You acknowledge that the information and statements contained in the document you are accessing on this website speak only as of the date of such document (or such other date(s) specified therein), and such information and statements may become inaccurate, stale and/or out-of-date thereafter and should not be relied upon for any investment decision.
You acknowledge that the materials on this website that you are accessing are confidential and intended only for you and you agree you will not forward, reproduce, copy, download or publish any of such materials (electronically or otherwise) to any other person if this is not in accordance with the law.
You acknowledge that the access to information and documents contained on this portion of the website may be illegal in certain jurisdictions, and only certain categories of persons may be authorized to access this portion of the website. If you are not authorized to access the information and document contained on this portion of the website or you are not sure that you are permitted to view these materials, you should leave this portion of the website.
You acknowledge that no registration or approval has been obtained and Eni Gas e Luce S.p.A. società benefit and its affiliates assume no responsibility if there is a violation of applicable law and regulation by any person.
By clicking the button below labeled “I agree”, you are confirming that you have read and understood the disclaimer above.
If you cannot so confirm, you must exit this portion of the website