In a significant advancement for the construction and energy sectors, a recent review published in ‘矿业科学学报’ (Journal of Mining Science) highlights the promising potential of CO2 flooding and sequestration technology for oil displacement. This innovative approach not only aims to reduce carbon emissions but also contributes to sustainable development, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Lead author HE Qi from the School of Energy Science and Engineering at Henan Polytechnic University emphasizes the dual benefits of this technology: “CO2 flooding can play a crucial role in alleviating global warming while enhancing oil recovery. It’s a win-win for both the environment and the energy sector.” The study meticulously reviews existing CO2-enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects, particularly those exceeding 100,000 tons, and focuses on notable domestic engineering cases in China.
Despite its potential, the implementation of CO2-EOR technology in China has been slow, lagging behind established projects in Europe and the USA. The authors identify several key challenges, including technology matching, safety monitoring, and economic constraints, which have hindered the widespread adoption of this method. HE Qi notes, “While we have made progress, the absence of large-scale commercialized projects remains a significant barrier. We must learn from international experiences to optimize our processes.”
The research outlines a vision for the future of CO2 flooding and storage, suggesting that integrating artificial intelligence could revolutionize the industry. By improving risk identification and control of CO2 leakage, as well as enhancing dynamic monitoring capabilities, the authors argue that China can accelerate the commercialization and industrialization of large-scale CO2-EOR projects. This could lead to substantial economic benefits, not only in oil recovery but also in creating green jobs and fostering a more sustainable construction industry.
As the construction sector increasingly seeks innovative solutions to meet environmental standards and carbon neutrality goals, the insights from this research could pave the way for new approaches in project development. The potential for CO2 flooding technology to reshape the landscape of energy production and environmental stewardship is immense.
For more information on this groundbreaking research, you can visit the School of Energy Science and Engineering at Henan Polytechnic University.