Whilst emerging projects are focused on emissions capture from thermal power generation, there are several existing projects related to hydrocarbon production. These are;
CO2 separation from natural gas:
In these projects, the levels of naturally occurring CO2 in the produced gas exceed that allowed in the distribution system. The CO2 is therefore extracted and re-injected.
CO2 injection for enhanced oil recovery:
CO2 can be used to increase oil recovery from some reservoirs. In the US naturally occurring CO2 is often produced for use for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). CO2 from anthropogenic sources can also be used for EOR and in doing so, some of the CO2 remains stored. Current EOR practice seeks to optimise the economics of oil production in a world where there is little value associated with carbon abatement – These are largely ineffective as carbon abatement technologies when the emissions of the product are accounted for. New practices are required to shift EOR into a more effective climate mitigation technology.