Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) - CCUS Terms

Description:
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) is a set of techniques used to increase the amount of crude oil that can be extracted from an oil field. EOR typically involves injecting substances such as water, steam, or CO₂ into the reservoir to enhance the flow of oil and improve extraction efficiency.

Explanation:
In the context of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) plays a crucial role by utilizing captured CO₂ for injection into oil fields to boost oil recovery while simultaneously storing the CO₂ underground. Here’s how EOR works and its importance within the broader CCUS framework:

• Carbon Capture. While EOR itself does not involve the capture of CO2, it provides a beneficial use for CO2 captured from industrial processes or power plants. The captured CO2 is compressed and transported to oil fields.
• Utilization. In CO2-EOR, the injected CO2 acts to reduce the viscosity of crude oil and increase the pressure within the reservoir, helping to push the oil towards production wells. This process not only extends the life of mature oil fields but also enhances oil recovery rates.
• Storage. After CO2 is injected into an oil reservoir, a significant portion of it remains trapped underground indefinitely. This incidental storage of CO2 can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, aligning with the goals of CCUS to mitigate climate change.

Advantages:
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) offers several advantages, including climate change mitigation by utilizing and storing captured CO₂, thereby reducing GHG emissions and supporting international climate goals like the Paris Agreement. Economically, EOR improves the efficiency of CCUS projects by enhancing oil recovery and providing a practical use for captured CO₂, reducing costs, and promoting the profitability of both CCUS and oil production. Additionally, EOR encourages technological innovation and industrial growth in carbon management and oil extraction, driving advancements in sustainable practices and technologies.

Challenges:
Implementing Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) projects can be expensive, requiring significant investment in infrastructure and technology, making sufficient funding crucial for success. The technical complexity of developing and scaling EOR technologies involves specialized knowledge, and overcoming these challenges is essential for effective implementation. Additionally, regulatory uncertainty, with changes in policy and regulatory frameworks, can impact long-term planning and investment in EOR, highlighting the need for stable and consistent regulatory policies to foster confidence and investment.

In summary, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) is essential for promoting the development and deployment of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage technologies. By utilizing captured CO₂ to enhance oil recovery and providing long-term carbon sequestration, EOR supports significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to global efforts to mitigate climate change.