Equinor's Low Carbon Solutions has announced encouraging results from two appraisal wells drilled in the North Sea, confirming the potential of the targeted reservoirs for safe and effective carbon dioxide (CO2) injection and storage. The wells, designated 32/7-1 and 32/4-4, are located approximately 20 kilometers east of the prominent Troll A platform.

The drilling operations were carried out using Odfjell Drilling's advanced semi-submersible rig, Deepsea Stavanger, highlighting the region's robust offshore infrastructure supporting the burgeoning carbon capture and storage (CCS) sector. These wells represent a significant step forward for Equinor's Smeaheia project, which aims to establish a large-scale CO2 storage facility on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS).

Wells 32/7-1 and 32/4-4 targeted the Gamma and Alpha areas, respectively, within exploration license EXL 002, awarded in June 2022.1 These areas together constitute a promising geological formation identified as a potential storage site for substantial volumes of captured CO2 from industrial emitters across Europe. Notably, these are the second and third wells specifically drilled to assess the feasibility of commercial CO2 storage on the NCS, underscoring Norway's commitment to playing a key role in mitigating climate change through CCS technologies.

Equinor's statement indicates that a comprehensive suite of data has been acquired during the drilling process. This includes extensive reservoir and cap rock samples, crucial for understanding the geological characteristics and containment capabilities of the storage sites. Furthermore, a series of injection tests were conducted in both wells – four in each – to evaluate the injectivity and storage capacity of the formations. The preliminary analysis of these tests has yielded positive results, suggesting that the reservoirs possess the necessary properties for large-scale CO2 injection.

The acquired data will now undergo thorough and detailed analysis. These in-depth evaluations will be instrumental in informing future investment decisions regarding the Smeaheia project. A positive final investment decision would pave the way for the development of crucial infrastructure for capturing, transporting, and permanently storing CO2 deep beneath the seabed, preventing its release into the atmosphere.

While the initial findings are optimistic, further analysis is essential to fully characterize the storage potential and ensure the long-term integrity of the site. The successful appraisal of these wells marks a significant milestone in Equinor's efforts to advance its CCS ambitions and contribute to Norway's position as a leader in low-carbon solutions. Following the completion of the data acquisition and testing, both wells have been permanently plugged and abandoned, adhering to stringent safety and environmental regulations.