Choosing A CO2 Sequestration Drilling Partner

With a large investment like carbon capture and storage (CCS), choosing the right partner to drill the sequestration wells is imperative. A knowledgeable and experienced service provider can help mitigate risks, reduce costs, and ensure proper well design and drilling execution in the long term.

In this blog, explore 4 key considerations when choosing the right partner for sequestration well drilling, and why it matters. For the full picture on sequestration well drilling, don’t miss the white paper – straight from our experts.

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Sequestration is Special

Before we delve into the key considerations for choosing a partner, it’s important to understand how carbon storage drilling differs from oil and gas drilling.

Sequestration wells, classified as Class VI by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), demand their own drilling and well management strategy, with unique:

• Design specifications
• Regulatory standards
• Data collection requirements
• Permitting processes

Unlike oil and gas wells, which are optimized for extracting fluids like crude oil and natural gas, sequestration wells are optimized for injecting and containing carbon dioxide and must remain stable and functional for decades after injection is complete.

For more, read our blog "The Difference Between Oil and Gas vs. Sequestration Drilling".

Choosing A CO₂ Drilling Partner: 4 Key Considerations

Find a sequestration drilling partner that meets these criteria, and optimize your carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) project for long-term success.

#1: Specific Experience with Sequestration Wells

Drilling service providers are common, but partners with specific experience drilling Class VI wells for CCS are far less common. It's important to note that most oil and gas drillers do not have this specialized expertise. Enlisting a partner with CO₂ sequestration-specific experience is crucial due to the unique requirements and risk profiles of injection wells.

Look for a partner with experience in:

• Drilling sequestration wells
• Obtaining Class VI permits
• Collecting sequestration-specific data
• Interpreting and acting on data

#2: Comprehensive Understanding of the CCS Lifecycle

CCS is a long-term activity, with some projects lasting 50+ years. Service providers with a thorough understanding of the CCS lifecycle are better equipped to bring a commercial-scale project safely to completion. This full-lifecycle expertise should include a deep familiarity with the current regulatory environment around carbon storage projects.

Look for a partner with knowledge of:

• Site selection
• Drilling
• Injection operations
• Site closure
• Long-term monitoring

#3: Expertise in Geophysics and Subsurface Geology

The subsurface may shift and change throughout the lifetime of a CO₂ capture and storage project - no matter if your storage site is utilizing saline formations or retired oil and gas reservoirs. Service partners with the right geotechnical expertise are key to accurately interpreting subsurface data and making informed decisions.

Look for a partner with expertise in:

• Geophysics
• Subsurface geology
• Reservoir modeling
• Engineering

#4: Project and Vendor Management Skills

Drilling CCS wells can be complex and may involve multiple suppliers and groups of stakeholders. Excellent project and vendor management skills are very important for smooth project execution, from drilling of Preliminary Sequestration Stratigraphic Test Wells (STWs) to closing injector wells.

Look for a partner with skills in:

• Project management
• Vendor relations
• Risk mitigation
• Stakeholder engagement
• Capacity building
  
  

Consider these characteristics when choosing a CCS drilling partner.

Why the Right Partner Matters

If you’re not convinced by now, here are 3 reasons why the right carbon sequestration drilling partner matters:

#1: Mitigating Risk

Unlike oil and gas wells, CCUS drilling typically involves only a handful of wells, leaving less room for mistakes. The right partner has shown that they can be trusted to carry a geological storage project to completion without creating extra risk.

#2: Cost Reduction

Fewer mistakes can equal lower costs in the long run. CCS drilling partners with technical and project management expertise to successfully carry out these specialized drilling projects can help project developers save money and time.

#3: Design and Execution

The specialized nature of CO₂ sequestration calls for wells built to inject fluid and remain stable for decades post-injection. The right partner will optimize your CO₂ injection wells for long-term stability and reliability, and meet the high standards required by regulatory bodies like the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

At Battelle, We Know the Drill

Battelle has extensive drilling experience, including over a dozen sequestration wells (more than any other service provider) and thousands of wells for oil and gas operations.

With over 25 years of CO₂ storage experience and 75+ CCS projects completed worldwide; Battelle is a recognized expert in CCS. Our team of over 100 subsurface and geotechnical experts makes us the most knowledgeable and reliable partner for your CCS needs.

Contact our experts for a free consultation, and let's discuss how we can help you achieve your CCS goals.