Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is recognized as one of the most effective measures to rapidly reduce carbon emissions from heavy industries such as cement and metal production, as well as waste incineration. By capturing and storing CO2, emissions to the atmosphere are prevented, which is crucial for avoiding irreversible climate change. A sustainable and successful implementation of CCS requires reliable solutions throughout the entire value chain, from capture to transport and storage. Geological storage (GS), where CO2 is injected into deep underground formations for long-term storage, is a critical part of this process. Ensuring the integrity of injection wells is mandatory but represents one of the major cost drivers and risk factors, as well failures can lead to CO2 leaks, which can cause environmental damage and costly repairs.
The launch of the Langskip project in 2020 marked an important step in Norway’s climate efforts. Langskip is expected to result in the construction of several hundred CO2 injection wells in the coming years. To ensure that these projects are both economically and environmentally sustainable, it is necessary to develop innovative well designs that balance reliability and cost-effectiveness. Control over operational parameters is also critical to maintaining well integrity during CO2 injection, extending well lifespan, and maximizing return on investment.
The IntoWell project, a collaboration between SINTEF and Equinor, aims to support the realization of Langskip by developing future CO2 storage wells that are both more robust and more cost-effective than current solutions. The project focuses on developing and validating multiphysics simulation tools that can predict and evaluate the mechanical integrity of wells under real field conditions. This will enable design optimization through improved material selection, enhanced operational parameters, and advanced risk management strategies. By combining experimental findings with numerical modeling, the research will increase confidence in well designs and ensure robust and cost-effective solutions.
The main outcome of IntoWell is a "toolbox" that supports the development of cost-effective CO2 injection wells, while minimizing uncertainties and ensuring long-term integrity. This toolbox consists of several key components:
• Improved understanding of material behavior: The project has provided valuable insights into how well materials respond to extreme temperatures and pressures, leading to better material selection and increased long-term reliability of the wells.
• Experimental database: A comprehensive database with data on the mechanical properties of well materials has been developed, providing engineers with a valuable resource for designing and evaluating well solutions with greater precision.
• Multiphysics simulation tools: These tools enable the simulation and evaluation of well mechanical integrity, as well as the optimization of injection strategies to reduce risk and improve operational safety.
Overall, the IntoWell project has delivered solutions supporting the design of CO2 storage wells more robust and cost-effective, while also establishing a solid scientific and technological foundation for future CCS projects. The results from IntoWell are directly relevant to Langskip and other upcoming CO2 storage projects. By implementing the project's findings, Langskip can reduce the risks and costs associated with both well construction and operation, while also increasing storage capacity. This will help reduce CO2 emissions and prevent serious climate impacts.
The IntoWell project has thus made significant progress in the development of future CO2 storage wells. Through the development of multiphysics simulation tools, improved materials, construction methods, and advanced risk management strategies, the project has strengthened the international research front in carbon capture and storage (CCS). These results will accelerate the implementation of CCS technology and support the realization of the Langskip project, which is crucial for achieving global climate goals.
Oppnådde virkninger og effekter:
• Forbedret brønnintegritet: Prosjektet har ført til utvikling av mer robuste CO2-lagringsbrønner med forbedret mekanisk integritet, noe som reduserer risikoen for lekkasjer og miljøskader. Dette har direkte positive effekter for sikkerheten i CO2-lagringsprosjekter.
• Kostnadsreduksjon: Resultatene har gjort det mulig å redusere kostnadene knyttet til bygging og drift av CO2-injeksjonsbrønner gjennom optimalisering av materialvalg og driftsparametere, noe som gjør CCS mer økonomisk bærekraftig.
• Vitenskapelig fremgang: Prosjektet har bidratt til å styrke den vitenskapelige kunnskapen om flerfysiske simuleringer og materialers oppførsel under ekstreme forhold. Dette gir grunnlag for videre forskning og innovasjon innen CCS-teknologi.
• Økt pålitelighet i CO2-lagring: Ved å kombinere eksperimentelle data med numerisk modellering har prosjektet økt påliteligheten i CO2-lagringsprosjekter, noe som skaper større tillit til teknologiens sikkerhet blant industrien og myndigheter.
• Støtte til nasjonale klimamål: Prosjektet har bidratt direkte til Norges klimainnsats ved å legge grunnlaget for vellykket implementering av storskala CCS-prosjekter som Langskip, noe som hjelper landet med å nå sine utslippsreduksjonsmål.
Potensielle virkninger og effekter:
• Global implementering av CCS-teknologi: Resultatene fra prosjektet kan ha en bred internasjonal innvirkning ved å muliggjøre implementering av CCS-teknologi i andre land. Dette vil bidra til globale utslippsreduksjoner og støtte opp under Parisavtalens mål.
• Industriell omstilling: Prosjektets resultater kan bidra til å fremskynde overgangen til en lavkarbonøkonomi ved å gjøre CCS til en mer levedyktig løsning for tunge industrier som ellers har vanskeligheter med å redusere sine utslipp.
• Reduksjon av klimarisiko: Ved å sikre pålitelig CO2-lagring kan prosjektet bidra til å redusere risikoen for irreversible klimaendringer, noe som har globale miljømessige og sosioøkonomiske fordeler.
• Innovasjon innen materialteknologi: Prosjektets innsikt i materialegenskaper kan føre til innovasjoner innen materialteknologi, med anvendelser utover CCS-sektoren, som for eksempel i olje- og gassindustrien eller andre energisektorer som energi lagring.
The IntoWell project shall explore and evaluate concepts for future CO2 storage wells, which are more robust and less expensive than today's solutions, and to operate them at their maximum capacity. The project shall develop validated multi-physics simulation tools to predict and assess CO2 well mechanical integrity under relevant field condition, thereby supporting reliable design with optimized well material selection, optimized operating parameters and risk handling strategies. The IntoWell results will contribute to speed up the large-scale implementation of CCS and the realisation of the Longship project. The project, if succeeding, is a direct answer to the need expressed by Longship to bring research and technological development for cost-efficient and reliable CCS projects both in Norway and Europe.
