Major oil and gas companies are making significant strides in carbon capture, with the Permian Basin emerging as a key hub for these groundbreaking projects. Industry giants like Chevron, Occidental Petroleum, and BP are at the forefront, driving forward innovative CO2 storage solutions motivated by both strategic and economic incentives.
Over the past six years, the global pipeline of CCS projects has been growing 30–50% annually. This impressive growth underscores the vital role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the future of the oil and gas sector. By leveraging their expertise and resources, oil and gas companies are advancing carbon management practices and demonstrating a strong commitment to long-term sustainability.
Regional Carbon Capture Snapshot
While the Permian Basin is leading the charge, other regions are also making significant strides in carbon capture. Let’s take a closer look at some of the noteworthy projects leading the way in these areas.
Rockies
- Wyoming:
Project Bison
In southwest Wyoming, Project Bison is set to become the world’s largest direct-air carbon capture and storage project, backed by $80 million in funding. Major investors include industry giants like Saudi Aramco.
LaBarge Facility
ExxonMobil has made significant strides in expanding its carbon capture and storage capabilities at the LaBarge facility. This site has already captured more CO2 than any other facility globally. - North Dakota:
CO2 Pipeline Project
This ambitious project aims to transport CO2 emissions from ethanol plants across five states to underground storage facilities in North Dakota. The plan has faced scrutiny, but Summit Carbon Solutions has secured voluntary leases with over 90% of property owners in the targeted storage areas so far. - Colorado:
Raton Basin Study
The Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) is conducting a study in the Raton Basin to evaluate methane seepage from coal layers. This study is part of a broader effort to employ carbon capture and sequestration techniques, crucial for the state’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The ECMC’s expanded regulatory role also includes overseeing Class VI injection wells and related activities.
Gulf Coast
- Texas:
Large-Scale CCUS Hubs
The Texas Gulf Coast is another hotspot for carbon capture projects, driven by government incentives and grants. As an early mover, Talos Energy amassed over 150,000 gross acres of CCS project sites in the region. Talos recently sold its low-carbon solutions business, including an operating stake in the Bayou Bend project to TotalEnergies for $125 million. Bayou Bend, located in the Houston Ship Channel and Beaumont – Port Arthur region, is capable of holding several hundred million tons of CO2. - Louisiana:
Pecan Island Project
EnLink Midstream is collaborating with ExxonMobil to expand CCS efforts beyond southeast Louisiana into new Gulf Coast areas. This includes the Pecan Island Area project, which plans to build a $200 million CO2 dehydration and compression unit in Donaldsonville.
Appalachia
- West Virginia:
Tri-State CCS Redbud Project
In Hancock County, Tenaska is developing the Tri-State CCS Redbud project, featuring the first Class VI wells in West Virginia. This seven-well hub aims to serve regional CO2 emitters, primarily targeting emissions from nearby power plants. Despite some challenges related to hydrocarbon production and carbon storage reservoirs, this project marks a significant step in carbon capture efforts in the region.
Supporting Carbon Capture with Drilling Fluids Expertise
In the ever-evolving landscape of the oil and gas industry, carbon capture projects are emerging as game-changers. The industry’s deep-rooted expertise in drilling and subsurface operations is now pivotal to these groundbreaking initiatives.
Comprehensive drilling fluids management programs are at the core of this support, providing essential services like drilling mud systems, solids control, haul-off and disposal, and equipment rentals. These elements are vital for maintaining well integrity and the success of CCS projects.
Panther Fluids: Your Competitive Edge
Innovation is at the core of both carbon capture and drilling fluids management, and Panther Fluids is at the forefront. Our comprehensive services ensure efficient wellsite operations, particularly with Class VI wells for CO2 sequestration.
Choose Panther Fluids for a total fluids management approach that reduces administrative overhead, streamlines operations, and advances your sustainability goals. Whether you need a complete package or individual services, we tailor our solutions to meet your specific needs. Contact the Big Cats today!