Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Research
Total is committed to managing the greenhouse gas emissions from our operations. We have invested in a number of carbon capture and storage (CCS) research projects around the world to help reduce emissions. CCS is a process that captures carbon dioxide (C02) before it is emitted into the air, and stores it in geological formations inside the earth.
Total's Lacq CCS Project
In January 2010, Total SA began operating Europe’s first end-to-end CCS pilot project in Lacq, France. Over a two-year period, this project will capture and store around 120,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide in a depleted natural gas reservoir, equivalent to the amount emitted by 40,000 cars over the same time period. The knowledge gained from this self-funded €60 million project will help Total improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions at our projects (see below).
Total E&P Canada and CCS
At our Surmont Asset a collaborative effort is underway with the operator, ConocoPhillips, to develop technologies for both energy efficiency and C02 capture and storage. Our Joslyn Asset will be built to be carbon capture ready, and will include auditable greenhouse gas data management systems.
Total E&P Canada's CCS Partnerships
- Heartland Area Redwater Project Phase II (HARP) – Total E&P Canada is a partner in this two-stage demonstration project designed to validate the suitability of the Redwater reef for sequestration of C02. ARC Resources is the project operator and Alberta Innovates Technology Futures is the research manager.
- Integrated CO2 Network (ICO2N) – This industry alliance is working with governments to establish policy and risk-sharing for a long-term C02 infrastructure network.