In the heart of Europe, Croatia is making significant strides in the energy sector, blending enhanced oil recovery (EOR) with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. This innovative approach not only promises to boost oil production but also offers a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the forefront of this research is Paolo Blecich, a faculty member at the University of Rijeka, who has been studying the performance of Croatia’s first EOR project using carbon dioxide (CO₂).
The project, which began operations in 2014, sources CO₂ from a natural gas processing plant. Previously, this CO₂ was released into the atmosphere, but now it is captured, compressed, transported, liquefied, and injected into the Ivanić and Žutica oil fields. This process, known as EOR CO₂, causes oil to swell and reduces its viscosity, making it easier to flow through the reservoir fractures. “The injected CO₂ causes oil swelling and viscosity reduction, making it easier to flow through the reservoir fractures,” Blecich explains. This technique is expected to raise the oil recovery factors up to 55%, a significant increase from the previously achieved 9% in the primary stage and 36% in the secondary stage.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. By utilizing CO₂ that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, this project not only enhances oil recovery but also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This dual benefit makes EOR CO₂ an increasingly attractive option for the petroleum industry. “This project not only enhances oil recovery but also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Blecich adds.
Beyond the EOR project, Croatia is also exploring other CCUS initiatives in the cement industry, power generation, and biofuel production. These projects, combined with the EOR CO₂ project, could bring the total CCUS capacity up to 1.843 million tons per year (Mtpa) by 2030. This holistic approach to carbon management could serve as a model for other countries looking to balance energy production with environmental responsibility.
The research, published in the journal Proceedings of Engineering Mechanics, highlights the potential of integrating EOR with CCUS technologies. This approach could shape future developments in the field, encouraging more countries to adopt similar strategies. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the lessons learned from Croatia’s EOR CO₂ project could pave the way for more sustainable and efficient energy production practices.
In an era where the energy sector is under increasing pressure to reduce emissions, Croatia’s innovative approach offers a promising solution. By combining enhanced oil recovery with carbon capture and storage, the country is setting a precedent for how the industry can adapt to meet both economic and environmental goals. As Blecich and his team continue to monitor the project’s performance, the insights gained could have far-reaching implications for the future of energy production.