Background.

Gassnova has carried out a brainstorming study of the possibilities to realise a full scale CO2 management facility in Norway. An official summary of the brainstorming study has been prepared and is available at regjeringen.no. The brainstorming study identified several industrial companies that may be interested in conducting feasibility studies on their plants. Transport of CO2 by ship is most probably for the quantities and distances that are relevant for a first full scale facility. Furthermore, the brainstorming study carried out by Gassnova identified several possible storage locations.

It is being planned that the state will take responsibility for the transport and storage of CO2 for this first facility. Therefore there is a need to engage an operator company to carry out the feasibility studies and any concept and FEED studies of a CO2 store.

The assignment.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy's purpose with the feasibility studies is to identify and study at least 2 suitable CO2 stores on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. These CO2 stores shall be technically and financially possible to study further in a concept and FEED phase. If the planning is carried out, it will be with up to 3 CO2 storage locations.

The Contracting Authority shall carry out feasibility studies for one or more locations for geological storage of CO2 on the Norwegian Continental Shelf with an option to extend for concept and FEED studies. Feasibility studies for CO2 stores will be part of the basis for a DG1 resolution by the state. The engaged party shall basically be free to assess storage locations within the area on the Norwegian Continental Shelf that are opened for petroleum activity.

Uncertainty, expected costs for planning, engineering design, construction and operation and the need for further qualifications and planning work for each individual location shall be described in the feasibility study. The decision regarding continuation of the project will i.a. build on the results from this work. The purpose of the concept and FEED studies is to document that CO2 can be stored under ground in a safe manner and also to prepare a basis for a plan for the development and operation of the storage location. This will be included in the basis for an investment decision and an announcement of a new contest regarding overseeing and operation of the chosen CO2 store on behalf of the state.

Release of an option for the extension of the contract in the next phase will be relevant if the government decides to continue the planning of full scale CO2 management in Norway.