Carbon capture and storage (CCS) process

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.