Injection of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases into deep geological structures has been undertaken for many decades. While the purpose of some of these activities has not been to store CO2 long term, they have advanced understanding of the processes and geology relevant to CCS.
The use of CO2 for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) has been used extensively in the United States and, to a lesser extent, in Canada with over 70 projects currently operating. Several of these have been continuously operating since 1988. The use of CO2 for EOR has been commercially proven and can provide valuable insight into aspects of the CCS process.
The CO2 Capture Project
is a joint project comprising eight energy companies, the US Department of Energy, the European Commission and the Research Council of Norway, which aims to reduce the cost of carbon dioxide capture from combustion sources and develop methods for safely storing carbon dioxide underground.
Further information on CCS initiatives in Algeria, Canada, China, European Union, Norway, United Kingdom and United States is available.