In the global race to mitigate climate change, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies are emerging as a critical tool for the energy sector. A recent study published in Petroleum Exploration and Development, a journal that translates to ‘Oil and Gas Exploration and Development’ in English, sheds light on the progress and challenges of CCUS clusters worldwide, with a particular focus on China’s burgeoning industry. The research, led by Guofeng Wang from the CNPC Southern Petroleum Exploration and Development Company in Haikou, China, offers valuable insights into the future of CCUS and its potential to reshape the energy landscape.
CCUS technologies capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels in electric power generation and industrial processes, transporting it to a storage site where it is deposited in underground geological formations. This process not only reduces the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere but also creates opportunities for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), where CO2 is injected into oil fields to extract more oil.
The global CCUS industry is entering a phase of scaled and clustered development, with North America leading the way. The region has established a robust system of key technologies, including large-scale CO2 capture, long-distance pipeline transmission, and large-scale CO2 flooding for EOR. “North America’s CCUS industry is relatively mature, with a gradual shift from CO2-EOR to geological storage,” Wang notes. This shift is significant, as it indicates a move towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
China’s CCUS industry, while rapidly developing, is still in its early stages of cluster development. The country faces several challenges, including the absence of a clear business model, insufficient policy support, and technological gaps in core areas. However, China’s vast energy demands and commitment to reducing emissions make it a crucial player in the global CCUS market.
To accelerate the development of its CCUS industry, China needs to improve its policy support system, boost enterprise participation across the entire industrial chain, and strengthen top-level design and medium- to long-term planning. This includes accelerating the construction of demonstration projects for whole-process CCUS clusters and advancing a full-chain technological system, including low-cost capture, pipeline optimization, and EOR/storage integration technologies.
The study also emphasizes the importance of personnel training, discipline construction, and university-enterprise research cooperation. “Strengthening these areas will be key to overcoming the technological and operational challenges facing China’s CCUS industry,” Wang explains.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the global energy sector transitions towards a low-carbon future, CCUS technologies will play a pivotal role in reducing emissions and enhancing oil recovery. The insights provided by Wang and his team can guide policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers in developing effective strategies for the scaled development of CCUS clusters.
Moreover, the study highlights the need for international cooperation and knowledge sharing. As North America’s CCUS industry continues to mature, there are valuable lessons to be learned and applied in other regions, particularly in China. By learning from each other’s successes and challenges, the global energy sector can accelerate the development and deployment of CCUS technologies, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
