SVT operator progresses carbon capture and storage plans

SULLOM Voe Terminal operator EnQuest has now made applications for two carbon capture and storage license areas to the north east of Shetland.

The energy company said in an operational update that licences are anticipated to be awarded in the first quarter of 2023.

It hopes for a “positive outcome” to its applications for these areas, which are accessible from EnQuest’s existing owned and operated infrastructure.

Earlier this year a UK Government licensing round for carbon storage sites began and it included two areas to the north east of Shetland.

Carbon capture and storage involves taking CO2 emissions from industrial processes, transporting it via a ship or pipeline and storing it underground offshore, and it is seen as a component of the drive to net zero.

EnQuest confirmed that both of the sites involved in the licensing round off the isles are linked to the East of Shetland pipeline system, which runs into Sullom Voe Terminal.

In total the UK Government received 26 bids for the 13 areas included in its first carbon storage licensing round.

EnQuest added in its latest update that it is targeting development of a “flexible storage hub” located offshore capable of accommodating up to ten million tonnes of CO2 per annum from emitters in the UK, Europe and beyond.

Sullom Voe Terminal has been taking in oil from waters around Shetland for export for almost 50 years, providing a big and ongoing economic boost to the isles.

But it is seen as an important tool in hopes to turn Shetland into a hub of cleaner energy production, through repurposing the site.

EnQuest said the site is “well positioned” to harness renewable potential in the area, including planned offshore wind developments.

“The group continues to mature a number of global scale decarbonisation opportunities, including carbon capture and storage, electrification and green hydrogen,” it added.