$1.35 billion Shell Quest carbon capture project approved
23 conditions put forth by energy board
Shell gets the green light on its carbon capture and storage project albeit with certain conditions set by the energy board. Photo: Shell Canada
A Shell Canada carbon capture and storage project north of Edmonton has been approved subject to a number of conditions.
The Energy Resources Conservation Board hearing panel determined it is in the public interest to proceed with the project, noting the proposed reservoir is a suitable location for the long-term storage of carbon dioxide and the combination of geological conditions, engineering design, operational practices, and extensive monitoring program mitigate any potential risks the project might pose.
The Quest CCS Project will capture more than one million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually from Shell’s Scotford Upgrader, located near Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., the equivalent of taking 175,000 cars off the road, according to the Shell Canada website.
The CO2 would be transported by pipeline up to 80 kilometres north of the facility to injection wells, which would inject it more than two kilometres underground where it would be permanently and safely secured under multiple layers of impermeable geological formations.
The board applied 23 conditions on its approval of the Quest CCS project, primarily regarding additional data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Shell must also obtain separate approvals for any additions to the project.
The board held a hearing in Redwater, Alta. from March 6 to 9 to consider the applications and any concerns from interveners. Board hearings are formal, quasi-judicial proceedings during which evidence is given, and cross-examination and argument takes place.
Prior to issuing its final approval, the board is required to refer the application to Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development for review.
Alberta Environment may impose additional conditions with respect to the environment, which will be added to the board’s approval.
Category: Energy
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