Shell’s commitment to advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies is underscored by its recent final investment decisions (FIDs) for two significant CCS projects in Canada: the Polaris carbon capture project and the Atlas Carbon Storage Hub. Here’s a detailed look at these projects:
Polaris Carbon Capture Project
Location: Shell Energy and Chemicals Park, Scotford, Alberta, Canada.
Objective: The Polaris project aims to capture 650,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually from the Scotford refinery and chemicals complex, which is entirely owned by Shell.
Impact on Emissions:
- The project is expected to reduce Scope 1 CO₂ emissions at the Scotford refinery by up to 40%.
- It will also lower CO₂ emissions by up to 22% at the chemicals complex.
Technology and Storage:
- CO₂ captured will be transported via a 22-km pipeline to the Atlas Carbon Storage Hub.
- The CO₂ will be stored approximately 2 km underground in the Basal Cambrian Sands, a geological formation that has previously been used successfully for carbon storage by the Quest CCS project.
Timeline: Operations are expected to commence towards the end of 2028.
Atlas Carbon Storage Hub
Partnership: The project is a collaboration between Shell and ATCO EnPower, each holding a 50% stake.
First Phase:
- The initial phase will involve the permanent underground storage of CO₂ captured from the Polaris project.
Future Expansion:
- Subject to a future FID, the Atlas Hub could expand to store CO₂ for additional partners and third parties.
Storage Capacity and Location:
- The Atlas Hub will utilize two storage wells in the Basal Cambrian Sands formation, the same geological site used by the Quest CCS plant.
Strategic Importance:
- The Atlas Hub is a crucial element in Shell’s strategy to scale up its CCS capabilities, providing a model for large-scale CO₂ storage solutions that can cater to multiple emitters.
Significance and Broader Impact
The FIDs for these projects mark a significant step forward in Shell’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. The Polaris and Atlas projects are part of a broader strategy to develop large-scale CCS solutions that can be replicated globally, supporting both Shell’s and Canada’s climate goals.
Conclusion
By committing to these projects, Shell not only reinforces its leadership in CCS technology but also provides a pathway for other industries and countries to follow in the transition to a lower-carbon future. These projects are set to play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions from industrial processes and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.