Canadian integrated CCS solution enhancing North Sea carbon storage project

Norwegian energy company Sval Energi has selected a comprehensive carbon capture and storage (CCS) solution developed by Canada-based Computer Modelling Group (CMG) for one of its CO2 transportation and storage projects in the Norwegian North Sea.

The project in question – Trudvang, envisages capturing CO2 from industrial emission sources in Northern Europe and transporting it to the Trudvang store for injection and permanent storage beneath the seabed. With a startup targeted in 2029, it has the potential to store 9 million tons of CO2 annually.

Sval Energi, as the operator, applied for the CO2 license with partners Storegga Norway and Neptune Energy Norge in February 2023 and got it six months later. Neptune Energy Norge was subsequently purchased by Vår Energi. After being renamed Vår Energi Norge, the two completed their intra-group merger in June.

“We are pleased to support Sval Energi AS in this significant project,” said CMG’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pramod Jain. “Having an integrated model during the initial planning stages will set the project up for success. In the long-term, CMG’s CCS workflow solution can continue to support the optimal operation of the project, limiting cost and risk while ensuring it moves forward with its vision of contributing to a more sustainable future.”

As the Norwegian player manages and oversees all aspects of CO2 transportation and storage, CMG believes this requires a comprehensive solution capable of addressing both short-term issues, including well start-up, and long-term challenges, including forecasting CO2 injection conditions for permanent storage.

The Canadian tech firm explains that its integrated CCS workflow features solutions developed in-house, as well as those by Kongsberg Digital, combining reservoir simulation, geochemistry and geomechanics, steady-state and transient wellbore analysis, and surface pipeline network simulation into one comprehensive, interactive CO2 model.

This allows operators to optimize storage sites’ design and operation, ensuring that CO2 is injected safely and stored permanently, thus helping mitigate risks, improve efficiency, and reduce costs thanks to better planning and decision-making throughout the project’s lifecycle.

According to CMG, Trudvang will be the first project to feature the joint industry project spearheaded by CMG and Kongsberg Digital called CO2LINK, developed by 12 energy companies within the GELECO2 joint industry project (JIP) launched in February 2022.

Described by its creators as “transformative simulator coupling that streamlines CO2 injection and storage processes,” this technology aims to model CO2 transport and injection by integrating Kongsberg’s multiphase flow simulation with CMG’s software for complex subsurface carbon storage.

“CO2LINK represents a quantum leap in our industry’s approach to CO2 management. By integrating the best of Kongsberg Digital and CMG technologies, we’ve created a tool that enhances the efficiency of CO2 injection processes and underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship. This software is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the energy sector,” said Shane McArdle, CEO of Kongsberg Digital.