Carbon capture and storage (CCS) process
Our proposed CCS storage hub has the potential to store more than 1.1 billion tonnes of CO₂ deep underground, making sure it doesn’t reach the atmosphere.
How does CCS work?
Carbon capture and storage, or CCS, is a key part of the Pathways Alliance plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from oil sands operations.
CCS is a proven, reliable process that captures carbon dioxide, CO2, from industrial facilities before it is released into the atmosphere, and stores it deep underground.
It’s a three-step process: capture, transport and storage.
CO2 capture technologies can be fitted to a large CO2 emissions source. The technology diverts the flue gas containing CO2 before it reaches the atmosphere, where it would otherwise contribute to the conditions that cause climate change.
A chemical compound such as amine is used to capture up to 95% of the CO2. The amine causes the CO2 molecules to collect at the bottom of a separation tank. The harmless leftover gas of mostly water vapor and nitrogen is then safely released. Meanwhile, the CO2 molecules are heated to separate them from the amine compound.
Next, the CO2 is compressed to behave like a liquid. As a result, the CO2 takes up less space so we can store more. A specially designed pipeline transports liquid CO2 to a secure storage location. Here, it’s injected more than one kilometre underground into stable rock formations—a depth equivalent to about three stacked Empire State Buildings.
The CO2 stays trapped beneath cap rock, much like how oil and gas have been stored for millions of years. Comprehensive monitoring confirms CO2 remains securely stored, so that it doesn’t enter the atmosphere.
By working together and with governments, oil sands companies are helping Canada meet its climate goals. CCS is one of many paths that will lead oil sands operations to net-zero emissions.
Capture
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Transport
*Visuals for illustrative purposes only. Additional facilities not shown.
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Cold Lake Region
Fort McMurray
In-Situ Sites
Storage
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Greater than 1 km deep
Aquifer
Shale
Sandstone
Carbonates
Rock salt
Shale
Sandstone storage layers
Granite (Precambrian basement)
Carbon capture and storage (CCS)
Find out why we’ve chosen CCS and explore other projects like ours around the world.
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