In December 2006 the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) took the initiative to use the natural advantages of Svalbard with the ambition of turning Longyearbyen into a show case, demonstrat-ing the full Carbon value chain; from the coal to successful storage of CO2 emissions. January 2012 the UNIS CO2 lab was registered at Brønnøysundregisteret as an independent company under the wing of UNIS. |
The aim of the company is to run externally financed research and development (R&D) projects. Our major project to date is within the science of CO2 storage. |
Since 2007 the CO2 lab has drilled seven deep wells of which 5 are in the Adventdalen valley sit-uated 5 km outside of Longyearbyen, Svalbard. The aim with the wells has been to evaluate the feasibility of storing carbon dioxide (CO2) on Svalbard. In addition one shallow well (61m) was drilled with the aim to understand the permafrost and its content within our project area. |
Over the years research extensive scientific activities have been carried out, including geological analysis of drill core, seismic data evaluation, and water injection and pressure testing of the re-servoir: From a wealth of data, reservoir simulations have been performed. |
Key learning’s:
- Confirmed reservoir capability at 670-970 m depth, for storage of CO2
- Rocks above reservoir with good sealing capacity, to keep the CO2 underground.
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| In short the area now known to as the CO2 well park has been singled out as a potential area for un-derground CO2 storage and is at present under observation from Gassnova Norway to become one of their selected pilot projects. |
In collaboration with SUCCESS UNIS CO2 Lab and the staff at UNIS contributes to high level edu-cational courses along the CO2 value chain. With the support from Gassnova and dedicated partner group (industry and R&D partners) we aim to continue development of this scientific work for many years to come. |
| Present partners in UNIS CO2 Lab are ConocoPhillips, Statoil, Store Norske, Gassnova(Norwegian government), Statkraft, Lundin Norway, Leonhard Nilsen and Baker Hughes. |
| Present research and operational partners are Univ. of Bergen, Univ. of Oslo, NTNU, SINTEF, NORSAR, IFE, NGI, NGU, and Cipr |
| UNIS CO2 Lab is part of the SUCCESSCentre for environmental friendly technologies, co- funded by industry and the Norwegian Research Council. |
