The project develops simulation tools to assess and optimize well integrity, improve well design and material selection, and increase safety and cost-efficiency for long-term CO2 storage.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an effective measure for reducing carbon emissions from heavy industries like cement and metal production. CO2 storage in geological formations is critical to avoid climate change, but the integrity of injection wells is essential to prevent leaks and costly repairs. The launch of the Longship project in 2020 marked a significant step in Norway's climate efforts. With Longship, several hundred CO2 injection wells are expected to be built in the coming years. To ensure these projects are both economically and environmentally sustainable, innovative well designs that balance reliability and cost-efficiency need to be developed. Control over operational parameters is also crucial to preserve well integrity during CO2 injection, which prolongs the well's lifespan and maximizes the return on investment.
The IntoWell project, a collaboration between SINTEF and Equinor, aims to develop more robust and cost-effective CO2 storage wells. The project is developing multiphysics simulation tools that can assess well integrity under field conditions, optimize material selection, and improve operational parameters. This provides confidence in the designs and reduces risk.
The main outcome of IntoWell is a "toolbox" that supports the development of cost-effective CO2 injection wells. It includes:
- Improved understanding of material behaviour under CO2 well conditions.
- An experimental database of mechanical properties of well materials.
- Multiphysics simulation tools to assess and optimize well design.
The results will help reduce risks and costs for CO2 storage projects like Longship while supporting the development of more efficient solutions. This is crucial for reducing CO2 emissions and achieving global climate goals.