Nomination of CO2 storage areas on the Norwegian Continental Shelf

Five areas on the Norwegian Continental Shelf have been nominated as potential locations to explore for suitable reservoirs for permanent storage of CO2. The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) requested input from all operating companies, and has received proposals from a number of them.

“I am very pleased that the industry is showing interest in storing CO2 on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. This is an important step in the work on transport and storage of CO2 from Mongstad,” says Minister of Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe.

The input from the companies will form a key part of the decision basis when the Ministry considers a potential announcement of exploration areas for permanent storage of CO2. Together with the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD), the Ministry will consider the nominated areas along with the other input provided by the industry.

“It is important that the resource represented by storage reservoirs is managed in a prudent and environmentally sound manner,” says Borten Moe.

With this nomination process, the Ministry has started a process that could provide the industry with access to areas for permanent storage of CO2 from Mongstad, in addition to other potential sources. In parallel with this nomination, work is proceeding on an atlas showing relevant storage locations in the North Sea, along with a set of new regulations pertaining to this activity. The deadline for nominations expired on 4 October.