The project partnership between Spectra Energy and British Columbia’s provincial government has provided a $3.4 million grant to help fund an initial feasibility phase, intended to determine whether deep underground saline reservoirs and associated infrastructure in the area are appropriate for carbon capture and storage (CCS).
During the initial phase of the project, which will evaluate geological, technical and economic feasibility, Spectra Energy will drill two test wells to determine whether surrounding geology is suitable for the permanent storage of CO2 and hydrogen sulphide.
These compounds are present in the raw natural gas produced in the area and are removed during processing at the company’s Fort Nelson gas plant.
Doug Bloom, president of Spectra Energy’s transmission-west, said: Addressing the challenge of climate change requires a commitment of both the government and the private sector to innovation and deploying new technologies. We believe CCS technology holds real promise in providing a safe and effective means of reducing greenhouse gases and addressing climate change.
