Enabling a Low-Carbon Future with Fugro’s Advanced Geo-Data Services

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Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) is a game-changer for addressing CO2 emissions. In the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2023 report, it emphasises the need for carbon dioxide removal technologies to reach net zero emissions. However, Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is a complement not a replacement for carbon emissions mitigation. CCUS is a viable CDR technology. Fugro supports using CCUS alongside renewable energy to help reduce carbon emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals. Fugro is enabling the deployment of CCUS by acquiring, processing, and interpreting critical Geo-data for the permitting, safe planning, design, and operation of CCUS-supporting infrastructure. By leveraging our advanced geotechnical testing, geophysical surveys, and autonomous monitoring technologies, businesses can confidently navigate the complexities of CCUS, ensuring safe, efficient, and effective carbon capture, transport, and storage.

Yosmel Sanchez-Hernandez

Global lead - Carbon capture, utilisation and storage

How Fugro provides Geo-data expertise to support CCUS developments

Precision in site characterisation for CO2 capture infrastructure, transport, and storage

Adding CO2 capture facilities to industrial sites needs a good understanding of the specific conditions at those locations. Fugro’s role in CCUS projects begins with a detailed assessment of surface and foundation zone soil conditions at planned CO2 capture facilities. The generated Geo-data supports the design, build, and reliable operation of the planned infrastructure.

Fugro’s Geo-Risk Management Framework (GRMF) monitors capture facilities and infrastructure. It ensures they are used efficiently over time.

CO2 pipelines are anticipated to be the primary mode of carbon transportation, with vessels as a secondary option. Whether developing new CO2 pipelines or repurposing existing ones, Fugro's onshore and offshore expertise in pipeline route optimisation, geohazard assessments, and integrated ground models delivers essential insights for engineering design and informed decision-making.

Sites intended for the geologic storage of CO2 are often identified through legacy data. In most cases, the existing data are insufficient to generate a comprehensive understanding of site conditions. Fugro's capabilities provide critical Geo-data to fill in existing gaps and generate a more complete assessment of the geologic CO2 storage site.

In the marine environment, Fugro’s seafloor mapping technology combined with its environmental and geochemical capabilities achieve a robust baseline assessment that serves as a reference for the monitoring phase during and after CO2 injection.

Legacy 3D exploration seismic data often doesn't have enough resolution to clearly image and characterise the shallow subsurface down to about 1000 metres below the seabed. Fugro’s 2D high-resolution seismic effectively compensates for the limitations of the 3D exploration seismic by imaging the overburden interval at a higher resolution and by targeting specific depth intervals for enhanced resolution.

This data offers a cost-effective way to identify unmapped faults and fractures, detect fluid pathways, assess connections between storage sites and nearby freshwater resources, evaluate the integrity of confining zones, spot overpressure indicators, as well as it can predict stability issues and assess other drilling risks.

Site occupation by the drilling rig and the deployment of new infrastructure on and offshore is also de-risked using Fugro’s geotechnical drilling and sampling, in-situ measurements, and lab testing.

Fugro GRMF

Building or repurposing infrastructure for CO2 capture and transportation demands meticulous planning and risk management. Fugro supports these efforts by integrating historical and newly acquired datasets into our GRMF. The GRMF tracks the entire asset life cycle, using testing and monitoring to guide interventions that optimise the lifespan and performance of CCUS assets.

Advanced geo-consulting support

Integrated models are critical for the proper understanding of site conditions. Fugro’s geo-consulting team has extensive experience in managing and integrating large datasets for site characterisation. This experience has been expanded with our involvement in CCUS projects along the US Gulf Coast and the North Sea where our team has generated fit-for-purpose interpretive material to support permitting, engineering design, establish baseline conditions, and support monitoring, measurement and verification (MMV) planning.

Onshore, Fugro’s expertise extends to site clearance, geohazard assessments, and geotechnical drilling and sampling. These activities are crucial for confirming the suitability of specific sites to host CCUS-related infrastructure and for assessing the site conditions for the long-term storage of CO2.

Supporting MMV with autonomous technology

MMV of the CO2 storage sites are critical to ensuring the long-term safety and effectiveness of CCUS projects. Fugro’s uncrewed surface vessels equipped with electric powered remotely operated vehicles enable the inspection of subsea infrastructure, mapping the seafloor and water column to detect potential CO2 leakage-related anomalies, and performing sediment and water sampling while removing risk to personnel.

Fugro landers can measure physical and chemical parameters at the seafloor over extended periods, recording relevant environmental variables around CO2 storage sites. Our satellite-based solutions further enhance MMV by monitoring elevation and environmental changes linked to CO2 plume behaviour, offering clients a comprehensive understanding of the subsurface dynamics associated with CO2 storage.