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Description
Carbon geological storage (CGS) as an element of the CCUS/CCS process is considered to be the most viable option for the storage of the large CO2 quantities needed to reduce global warming and related climate change effectively. Storage of natural gas and partially decarbonized gas (with addition H2) will play a vital role in the stability of energy supply in the EU. The innovative, guiding concept of the AGaStor project is based on synergy between natural gas storage and CO2 storage process in a location near captured CO2 emission sources (e.g. in NW Poland). The main objective of the project is to facilitate the implementation of advanced Underground Gas Storage (UGS) using dynamic support of Carbon Dioxide Cushion (CDC) in saline aquifers. The location of this storage will be selected in the proximity of industrial CO2 source, LNG receiving terminal and “Baltic Pipe” gas interconnector NO-PL. The fundamental advantage of the CO2 gas cushion is an environmental and economic benefit. A key innovation will be development of new & safe technology for CO2 storage as a cushion (or part of cushion) in energy gas storage build in aquifers. The project will produce practical guidelines and solutions for characterization of possible storage sites of UNGS with CDC (3D architecture of the storage complex, trapping mechanisms, reactive flow, CO2/NG mixing process, risk assessment and sensitivity analysis) in selected regions of future deployment, improved monitoring and potential mitigation of CO2 leakage. Combining CO2 storage with UGS can bring economic and technological advantages to the industry and allow it to reduce the amount of anthropogenic emissions of CO2. This new CCUS element may be an element of pro-climate action. A key issue of the AGaStor project will be knowledge exchange and enhanced cooperation between the Polish & Norwegian partners to determine the best technologies & application in the energy systems of partner countries.
Summary of project results
Carbon geological storage (CGS) as an element of the CCUS/CCS process is considered to be the most viable option for the storage of the large CO2 quantities needed to reduce global warming and related climate change effectively. Storage of natural gas and partially decarbonized gas (with addition H2) will play a vital role in the stability of energy supply in the EU. The innovative, guiding concept of the AGaStor project is based on synergy between natural gas storage and CO2 storage process in a location near captured CO2 emission sources (e.g. in NW Poland). The main objective of the project is to facilitate the implementation of advanced Underground Gas Storage (UGS) using dynamic support of Carbon Dioxide Cushion (CDC) in saline aquifers. The location of this storage will be selected in the proximity of industrial CO2 source, LNG receiving terminal and “Baltic Pipe” gas interconnector NO-PL. The fundamental advantage of the CO2 gas cushion is an environmental and economic benefit. A key innovation will be development of new & safe technology for CO2 storage as a cushion (or part of cushion) in energy gas storage build in aquifers. The project will produce practical guidelines and solutions for characterization of possible storage sites of UNGS with CDC (3D architecture of the storage complex, trapping mechanisms, reactive flow, CO2/NG mixing process, risk assessment and sensitivity analysis) in selected regions of future deployment, improved monitoring and potential mitigation of CO2 leakage. Combining CO2 storage with UGS can bring economic and technological advantages to the industry and allow it to reduce the amount of anthropogenic emissions of CO2. This new CCUS element may be an element of pro-climate action. A key issue of the AGaStor project was knowledge exchange and enhanced cooperation between the Polish & Norwegian partners to determine the best technologies & application in the energy systems of partner countries.
The project showed on the possibilities of applying CCUS/CCS technology within the framework of the construction of critical infrastructure related to energy security, in particular the problems of large-scale underground gas and energy storage. The Agastor project has identified pre-selected structures in north-western Poland. A 3D model of the structure and surrounding structures was built. A full static model was made (WP1), This model was the basis for dynamic models describing the concepts of underground gas storage and the technical feasibility of making a storage facility with a new gas cushion using (partially) CO2.The location of the storage production wells (in part natural gas) and CO2 injection wells and monitoring wells (WP3) has been determined. Special tools using AI techniques were built (WP3), laboratory tests were carried out on the problem of mixing of CO2 & CH4 conditions (WP3), determining the dispersion coefficients. Several studies were carried out regarding tests of the structure, CO2 injection & interference test (WP2). Calculations were made regarding the economics of construction and operation of the gas storage facility (WP4), estimated costs of the storage facility (CAPEX), and possible operating costs (OPEX) in WP4. A program for monitoring the operation of the gas storage facility as well as monitoring the associated CO2 geological storage facility (WP5) was prepared. Risk analyses were carried out (WP5) regarding the most critical elements of CO2 migration, CO2 leakage from the storage complex (WP5). Another result of the project is the preparation of a public campaign to gain public acceptance of the project - in case of its commercialization. Technical studies have indicated the possible combination of CCUS/CCS technology with underground gas storage technology with the possibility of permanent storage of CO2 injected into the buffer zone (permanently). Social studies signaled the need for increased public education activities and point to methods of convincing local society to accept new pro-environmental solutions with low threat/risk to the community and high environmental benefit.
The main result of the project is the confirmation of the possibility of building a gas storage facility with a CO2 cushion allowing the use of unneeded CO2, reducing the cost of building a gas storage facility, lowering the carbon footprint of the storage facility, by being able to lower the operating pressure.
The Agastor project has identified pre-selected structures in north-western Poland in an integrated manner, particularly regarding the Jurassic structure "Marianowo". Geological, geophysical, geomechanical, geochemical, hydrological analyses were carried out regarding the possibility of using this structure for underground storage of natural gas and geological storage (storage) of CO2. A 3D model of the primary structure and surrounding structures at distances of up to 20 km from the selected structure was built. A full static model was made (WP1), This model was the basis for dynamic models describing the concepts of underground gas storage and the technical feasibility of making a storage facility with a new gas cushion using (partially) CO2.The location of the storage production wells (in part natural gas) and CO2 injection wells and monitoring wells (WP3) has been determined. Special tools using AI techniques were built (WP3), several laboratory tests were carried out on the problem of mixing of CO2 & CH4 conditions (WP3), determining the dispersion coefficients for the build of the model of mixing of gas from the gas pad and working capacity. Several studies were carried out regarding tests of the structure, CO2 injection & interference test (WP2). Analyses of CO2 dehydration, and compression (NG and CO2) were performed (WP2) Calculations were made regarding the economics of construction and operation of the gas storage facility (WP4), estimated costs of the storage facility (CAPEX), and possible operating costs (OPEX) in WP4. A program for monitoring the operation of the gas storage facility as well as monitoring the associated CO2 geological storage facility (WP5) was prepared. Risk analyses were carried out (WP5) regarding the most critical elements of CO2 migration, CO2 leakage from the storage complex (WP5). The implementation of the project enabled the identification of basic social mechanisms for local acceptance of investments in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The socio-demographic characteristics indicate key expectations from local communities that the analyzed investment cannot satisfy directly. Indirect benefits under corporate social responsibility respond to the needs of both local communities. CCUS is also not a key motivator around innovation development in the voivodeship, however, it can play a supporting role (especially with the financial involvement of entities responsible for the investment) in the green energy sector. (WP6). Both a survey on a representative sample, deliberative discussions and individual in-depth interviews revealed dominant attitudes within the Why In My Backyard (WIMBY) archetype Voivodeship and in both potential warehouse locations. In other words, properly conducted information activities, considering local specificity and needs, will reduce the risk of social resistance to the investment. In this respect, the activities carried out resulted in specific answers and recommendations (WP6).
Summary of bilateral results
The experience of the bilateral partnership was a key contribution to the project on several levels:- good practices in the transformation of a university that was originally a base for the mining industry into an academic centre actively involved in the green transformation,- examples of CCUS projects implemented and continued in Norway, also in terms of commercial potential (Snohvit or Langskip Projects),- current theoretical and empirical achievements of Norwegian social scientists in the field of social perception of CCUS projects,- input from UiS to results in WP3, WP4 and WP6;- joint publications and presenatations at conferences.The cooperation resulted in further plans to create a theoretical and research team focused on energy transformation issues in the social dimension, including in post-industrial and post-mining regions.