CO2 Geological Pilots in Strategic Territories - PilotSTRATEGY

Project Information

PilotSTRATEGY

Grant agreement ID: 101022664

DOI

10.3030/101022664

Project closed

EC signature date 27 April 2021

Start date 1 May 2021

End date 30 April 2026

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy

Total cost

€ 10 022 547,50

EU contribution

€ 10 022 547,50

Coordinated by

BUREAU DE RECHERCHES GEOLOGIQUES ET MINIERES
France

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - PilotSTRATEGY (CO2 Geological Pilots in Strategic Territories - PilotSTRATEGY)

Reporting period: 2023-11-01 to 2025-01-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

PilotSTRATEGY focuses on advancing understanding of deep saline aquifer (DSA) resources for geological CO2 storage, including a legal framework, in five European industrial regions in Southern and Eastern Europe. DSAs have much promise and potential for CO2 storage, but despite their high potential storage capacity, they are not enough studied. There is a need to increase confidence and maturity of understanding of these sites.
PilotSTRATEGY investigates three CO2 storage sites, onshore and offshore, in the project’s 3 most studied regions: France - Paris Basin, Portugal - Lusitania Basin and Spain - Ebro Basin. The PilotSTRATEGY prepares these sites to next phase of permitting request by the end of the project (2026), when the pre-FID phase will be completed. In Poland and Greece, PilotSTRATEGY is increasing the maturity and confidence level of storage resources to start planning as contingent resources, based on new available data, reprocessing of old data and new dynamic simulation studies. In all countries, social acceptance and community engagement studies aim to assess feasibility of storage pilots from a societal perspective through stakeholders and citizens engagement activities.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the third period of the project (M30 to M45), PilotSTRATEGY has completed full characterization of the 3 storage sites chosen for France (Paris Basin), Spain (Ebro Basin) and Portugal (Lusitanian Basin – offshore) by carrying out natural seismicity baselines in Portugal and Spain (D2.5) and geochemical reactivity assessment for reservoir and caprock (D2.9) (WP2). Some crucial objectives have been achieved in France, Portugal, Spain and Poland with the building of the static models for the storage reservoirs (D3.1 and D3.2) the dynamic simulations of CO2 injection and the optimization of the injection well location (D3.3) and the preliminary risk assessment (Milestones 24 and 25). In Greece, vintage seismic lines reprocessing was completed (D2.4) and extensive geological mapping was continued, together with rock and water sampling for laboratory experiments (WP2). WP4 developped optimized pilot design for injection well and facilities (D4.4) carried out the definition of pilot concepts in each region (D4.2 and D4.3) and the related preliminary economic evaluation (D4.9). In the Ebro Basin (Spain), PilotSTRATEGY evaluated the socioeconomic impact of CCUS pilot implementation (D4.10). In all regions, social acceptance and community engagement activities initiated in previous periods were continued. The project’s work progress was shared with stakeholders during Regional Stakeholders Committee (Milestone 35) meetings to get feedback for the pilots concepts development. These meetings, as well as public events, provide valuable input for study of local social acceptance for the CO2 storage pilots.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

PilotSTRATEGY is increasing public awareness. At the local level, the different stakeholders engagement and public engagement activities generated a higher awareness about CCS in general and the potential of their region for CCS development. The project developed materials (presentations, FAQ, videos) useful for stakeholders and general public information.
PilotSTRATEGY is producing detailed geological characterization of storage sites in the 5 regions. By the end of the project, PilotSTRATEGY will further increase the maturity of the storage resource in Greece and Poland. For the sites in France, Spain, Poland and Portugal, PilotSTRATEGY will study long term fate of CO2 in the reservoir and effects of injection on near wellbore and caprock for a safe and permanent storage.
PilotSTRATEGY is actively preparing the ground for full and active development into operational phase in the studied regions.
At the project scale, PilotSTRATEGY was listed in the report of EC to EU parliament (Brussels, 24.10.2023; COM(2023) 657) on implementing EC CCS Directive; PilotSTRATEGY consortium participated actively during CCS directive guidance review (July 2023).
In France, local and national authorities and ministries requested to receive project information. The Grandpuits site (studied site in Paris Basin - France) is identified in the French strategy for CCUS. The Dutch start-up company C-Questra applied for an investigation permit in the Grandpuits area based on preliminary results published by PilotSTRATEGY.
In Spain, the industrial partner Repsol has submitted an Investigation Permit request which partially includes the offshore area proposed to be evaluated in Ebro Basin during RP1. A presentation of Spanish region was made in the COP28 and Zero Emission Platform (ZEP); these are 2 important places to find CCS project promoters. National authorities (MITECO) receive regular update about the project progress.
In Portugal as the shift focus to offshore storage in Portugal, discussion are ongoing with regulatory body and licensing authority DGEG. There is an urgent need to clarify regulatory procedures for CO2 storage offshore. At the local level, Figueira da Foz Municipality, is actively supporting and involved in PilotSTRATEGY actions in Portugal. Some emitters in the area have shown great interest in PilotSTRATEGY. The CTS - Direct injection from ship – a CETP project was launched, aiming to detail transport options from the Figueira da Foz port and involving potential CO2 suppliers CIMPOR and LHOIST, and the Figueira da Foz Port Authority as the location for a CO2 collection hub.
In Greece, CERTH and HEREMA (HHRM) made a project presentation in the Greek parliament elevating the project’s profile and emphasising its national significance. The regional meetings at Western Macedonia contribute locally to foster dialogue and build trust in CCS.
In Poland, actions and results of PilotSTRATEGY were presented and discussed in the Forum of Silesian Association of Communities. At national level, GIG team actively participates in ongoing work on amendments to the Geological and Mining Law in order to facilitate CCUS projects.
Through activities of WP6 and talk with authorities task (task1.4) PilotSTRATEGY is reaching another important expected impact: “Improve collaboration between different sectors and stakeholders”. Administration, authorities, citizens, NGO, mayor municipality, land-users, etc, discussed jointly during the Regional Stakeholder Committees various topics such as the place of CO2 storage in the local landscape.

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