Wireline Issue 25 Autumn 2013

CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE

GAS

The Peterhead Carbon Capture and Storage project proposal is to store carbon dioxide two kilometres deep under the UK Continental Shelf and 100 kilometres offshore in the depleted Goldeneye gas reservoir

Using the shelf space Gas will remain the largest source of heat and a major source of electricity for some decades to come. Wireline reports on a trailblazing UK carbon capture and storage project, which typifies the compelling, two-in-one proposition offered by gas – an ability to meet the UK’s long-term energy needs whilst dramatically cutting carbon emissions.

O n the face of it the gas-fired power station at Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is just another power station. A supplier of electricity and heat which is so frequently taken for granted in this modern age. But the building’s quiet exterior is deceiving. In fact, it stands

tall at the front end of a programme of innovative activity that would be a world first and would herald a new era for gas in the UK (and globally). Steered by Shell, the Peterhead Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project aims to recover and remove carbon dioxide (CO 2 )

generated by the power station, which is operated by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). The proposal is to then transport the CO 2 by pipeline for storage more than two kilometres deep under the UK Continental Shelf and about 100 kilometres offshore in the depleted Goldeneye gas reservoir, which ceased production in 2012.

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