Consortium berths to explore CCUS solutions in Singapore
By Innocent Obasi
A consortium that will evaluate and advance large-scale carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) solutions and integrated infrastructure in Singapore has been formed.
The consortium, comprising Air Liquide, an industrial gases company, Chevron, an energy industry company, Keppel, an infrastructure company, and PetroChina, a gas company, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday.
The group of companies aims to research, test, and develop technological, logistical, and operational solutions for CCUS in Singapore. They will seek to provide an industry-wide CCUS integrated infrastructure, primarily to support the energy and chemicals sectors, by capturing and aggregating carbon dioxide (CO2) from large industrial emitters at a centralized collection facility.
The CO2 could then be used to create useful products like plastics, fuels, and cement and/or transported via pipelines or ships to suitable reservoirs in the Asia-Pacific region for sequestration via a process that involves injecting CO2 into deep underground geologic formations for permanent and secure storage.
Michele Gritti, vice president, large industries and energy transition, Air Liquide SEA Cluster, said that supporting the decarbonization of industry to help address the urgency of climate change is a priority.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Keppel Infrastructure, Chevron, and PetroChina in this decarbonization endeavor, leveraging our expertise and experience in carbon capture, purification, and liquefaction to build a comprehensive carbon capture decarbonization solution,” Gritti said.
“In line with its Climate Objectives, Air Liquide is committed to support Singapore’s drive to achieve net-zero by 2050,” he said.
Chris Powers, vice president, CCUS, Chevron New Energies, said the global energy company believes the future of energy is lower carbon and is committed to advancing technologies and forming strategic relationships to make it happen.
“We look forward to working with like-minded collaborators to progress and advance the development of large-scale CCUS solutions in the Asia Pacific region for decades to come,” Powers said.
Chua Yong Hwee, executive director (new energy), Keppel Infrastructure, said hard-to-abate sectors need to leverage technology and innovation to transit towards net zero CO2 emissions and that Keppel Infrastructure is well-positioned to support efforts to decarbonize key sectors, given the company’s experience as a leading developer, technology solutions provider and operator of energy and environmental infrastructure in Singapore and the region.
“In line with Keppel’s Vision, 2030, which places sustainability at the core of its strategy, our collaboration with Air Liquide, Chevron and PetroChina will enable us to take another step towards addressing Singapore’s needs for a low carbon economy,” Hwee said.
Li Shaolin, managing director, PetroChina International (Singapore), said that among various pathways to decarbonization, CCUS has been identified as a strategic pathway to be thoroughly evaluated and developed.
“PetroChina is pleased to be part of this consortium with Air Liquide, Keppel Infrastructure and Chevron; a partnership that will leverage one another’s strengths, capabilities and respective ecosystems towards the advancement of large-scale CCUS solutions in Singapore,” Shaolin said.
“Participating in this initiative is our commitment to ensure harmony between the development of the energy industry and the environment, as we endeavor to make meaningful contributions towards Singapore’s goal of achieving Net Zero.”