R&D Activities ● CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024

CO2 Storage Research Group
Member (As of Apr. 2024)
Ziqiu Xue, Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Nobuo Umeda, Deputy Leader, Chief Researcher
Satoru Yokoi, Chief Researcher
Makoto Nomura, Chief Researcher
Nobuo Takasu, Associate Chief Researcher
Takahiro Nakajima, Associate Chief Researcher
Takeshi Myoi, Associate Chief Researcher
Tsutomu Hashimoto, Associate Chief Researcher
Saeko Mito, Senior Researcher
Tetsuma Toshioka, Senior Researcher
Osamu Takano, Senior Researcher
Keisuke Uchimoto, Senior Researcher
Hironobu Komaki, Senior Researcher
Atsushi Ibusuki, Senior Researcher
Yuji Watanabe, Senior Researcher
Yi Zhang, Senior Researcher
Hyuck Park, Senior Researcher
Jiro Suekuni, Senior Researcher
Yuji Yamashita, Senior Researcher

Ken Asajima, Senior Researcher
Tetsumi Imamura, Senior Researcher
Satoko Fuchikami, Vice Manager
Kimiko Nakanishi, Chief
Takayuki Miyoshi, Researcher
Takeya Nagata, Researcher
Rasha Amer, Researcher
Jinrong Cao, Researcher
Shoichiro Hozumi, Researcher
Hiraku Miyasaka, Researcher
Masafumi Kotani, Researcher
Junko Hirai, Research AssistantYuko Himi, Research AssistantAkemi Nishide, Research Assistant
Megumi Okumichi, Research Assistant
Megumi Sasaki, Research Assistant
Nae Hidaka, Research Assistant
Akiko Ono, Research AssistantTechnology Demonstration, Knowledge Sharing and Non-technicalSupport for Large Scale Deployment of Geological CO2 Storage
1. Introduction

regulations CO2 transport projects, and other business

The final summary of the CCS Long-term Roadmap

environment.

Study Group, published by the Ministry of Economy,

In technological development, the law the group will

Trade and Industry in March 2023, clearly states the in-set concrete cost reduction targets and promote tech-dispensable role of CCS in achieving a stable energy

nological development and demonstration. RITE, as asupply and carbon neutrality in Japan. The business en-

member of the Geological Carbon Dioxide Storage

vironment must be developed to enable operations by

Technology Research Association, is promoting techno-

2030. The government is presenting concrete plans forlogical development with application to domestic CCS

commercialization in this context.

In June 2023, sevenprojects under a project commissioned by the New En-“Japanese Advanced CCS projects” were selected asergy and Industrial Technology Development Organiza-

part of the “Japanese Support for CCS projects.” In Feb-tion (NEDO). The group is developing technologies toruary 2024, the Cabinet approved a draft law on CCS

ensure safety and reduce costs by monitoring geologi-

projects

cal formations and pipelines with fiber optic sensor

which was submitted to the Diet.

In the 213th ordinary session of the Diet, the Bill fortechnology, supporting the commercialization of CCS

the Act on Carbon Dioxide Storage Businesses (CCS

and producing technical manuals that will serve as a

Business Act) was passed into law. The CCS business Act

guide for CCS operators. In developing monitoring

establishes a licensing system for storage, exploratory

technology, we are conducting demonstration tests at

drilling rights, as well as business and security

domestic and overseas sites, including a commercial

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R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024

CCS project site in the US. We are conducting a tech-sensing is a promising monitoring technology thatnical demonstration of a method to monitor the integ-

meets these requirements.

rity of geological storage facilities, such as CO2 pipelines

Fiber optic sensing is a technology that measures en-

and wells, and the stability of geological formations byvironmental changes around an optical fiber by meas-

measuring temperature, strain and acoustics using op-

uring the backscattered light generated when an optical

tical fibers.

pulse is transmitted through the fiber. Raman scattering

In addition, we are working on technologies to sup-is used to measure temperature (DTS: Distributed Tem-

port the various steps leading to commercialisation ofperature Sensing), and Brillouin scattering is used to

CCS, such as the development of communication meth-measure temperature and strain (DSS: Distributed Strain

ods with local communities, the development of infor-

Sensing). Rayleigh scattering light is mainly used formation on the location of emission sources, which is es-

damage detection and acoustic (vibration) measure-sential for the design of project plans, and the develop-

ment (DAS: Distributed Acoustic Sensing) by utilizing

ment of cost estimation tools to assess commercial fea-

the change in scattered light intensity due to bending,sibility.

etc. Recently, Rayleigh scattering lightis also used forFurthermore, we are also compiling a collection ofhigh-precision temperature and strain measurement bytechnical case studies from national and international

utilizing its spectral change. Fiber optic sensing technol-

case studies to share knowledge on each stage of theogy is characterized by the fact that the entire optical

CCS project, from planning to operation and post-clo-

fiber acts as a receiver, making it possible to acquiresure. A total of seven editions have been prepared byspatially continuous records. In addition, a single fiber

the end of 2023 and will be made available successively.

optic cable bundled with multiple fibers can be installed
as a multi-sensor to measure temperature, strain and

2. Main research topics and results

acoustics, significantly reducing the cost of installing a

2.1. Development of a fiber optic based formation in-large number of sensors. In particular, the fiber optic

tegrity monitoring system

cable is thin, with a diameter of only a few millimeters

Subsurface monitoring is one of the essential ele-

to a few centimeters, and can be easily installed in con-mental technologies for CO2 geological storage pro-fined spaces, allowing the cable to be installed in a small

jects that are being pursued in earnest in Japan andgap between the formation and the outside of the steel

abroad. To confirm that the injected CO2 is safely storedpipe, known as the casing, that holds the well.

in the formation, in addition to monitoring the extent of

RITE has been conducting research and development

CO2 spread, monitoring of formation deformation andof optical fiber sensing technology through laboratory

the extent of pressure propagation due to increased

and field tests, and is currently conducting verification

formation pressure, and monitoring of well integrity to

tests at several domestic and overseas sites. At domes-

detect any leakage are carried through. As this monitor-

tic sites, in addition to evaluating the performance ofing is carried out over a long period of time, it is neces-the developed fiber-optic cable and improving the in-sary to use economical technology. In addition, real-

stallation method, the effectiveness of the technology

time monitoring systems are expected to provide infor-is being verified in a CO2 injection environment, such as

mation that contributes to immediate decision making,injection in multiple wells, assuming a real project. Fur-such as changes in injection conditions. Fiber-optic

thermore, at the CCS site in North Dakota, USA,

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R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024

simultaneous temperature, strain, and acoustic meas-

water injection and pumping around the site are meas-

urements using a single optical fiber cable are being

ured and used as a technology to evaluate hydraulicconducted as a technical demonstration of a multi-

properties around the site through geomechanicalsensing CO2 geological storage monitoring system. In

analysis based on optical fiber strain measurement data.

Australia, field tests are progressing at the Otway site inThis technology should lead to the efficient placement

Victoria and the South Perth site in Western Australia toof multi-well sites, essential for future underground CO2

monitor leakage from shallow faults and the stability ofstorage in Japan.

deep faults.
The following is an overview of the field testing underway at each site.
2.1.1 Domestic test sites
At a test site in the Mobara area of Chiba Prefecture,
Japan, we are conducting field tests to verify the technology of the CO2 geological storage monitoring system using fiber-optic sensors. Various optical fibers

Figure 1 Fiber optic installation work at a site in Japan

have been installed in shallow wells at depths of around
300m, water injection and pumping tests have been

2.1.2 North Dakota CCS Site, USA

carried out using wells to measure and evaluate the op-

The North Dakota CCS project is a commercial projecttical fibers. Various optical fibers were installed in shal-stores approximately 180,000 tons per year of CO2 col-low wells at depths of around 300m, water injection andlected from the ethanol refining process in a saline aq-

pumping tests were carried out in the wells to evaluate

uifer approximately 2,000m deep underground. Injec-

the measurement ability of the optical fibers.

tion began in mid-June 2022, and as of March 31, 2024,

In

FY2022, a new well was drilled to a depth of over 900m,

approximately 250,000 t of CO2 had been stored.

and optical fiber cables were installed to measure tem-In this project, fiber optic cables have been installed

perature, strain, and sound simultaneously. Throughin four wells (one injection well, one observation wellthese tests, we were able to develop the technology forand two shallow groundwater observation wells) andinstalling optical fiber cables, equipment, also installa-

along the CO2 pipeline (Figure 2), with simultaneoustion method (Figure 1). In parallel, we are in the process

measurements of DAS, DTS and DSS This project is aof developing fiber optic technology for the evaluation

technical demonstration of multi-sensor technology inof the cement integrity of the wellbore. The technology

a single fiber-optic cable in a commercial project, andis expected to be a real-time monitoring technology

we will continue measurements until the injection ofthat can be used during construction to assess cement-

1Mt , which is one of the guidelines for the scale of com-

ing integrity which affects the potential leakage from anmercialization in Japan, in order to accumulate

injection well at underground CO2 storage sites.

knowledge of problems and countermeasures in theLong-term continuous monitoring using DSS (strain
measurement) has been ongoing at the site since thefiber was installed in FY2022. Strain changes caused byoperation of monitoring systems for domestic CCS projects.
Imaging techniques using repeated seismic surveys

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R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024

are used to map the CO2 plume. Vertical seismic profil-

used to detect the CO2 plume immediately after injec-

ing (VSP), in which the receivers are placed downhole,tion begins, while the offset VSP recordings are used tois one of the techniques used for seismic profiling be-

determine the spread of the CO2 plume. Time-lapse

cause it brings the receivers closer to the target andanalysis of repeated VSP recordings is currently under-

thus enables high-quality data acquisition. In further-

way to ascertain the CO2 spread.

more, the use of a fiber optic cable equipped with nu-

In addition, DTS and DSS (temperature and strain

merous receivers as a downhole receiver reduces themeasurement) in all sections of CO2 pipelines and injec-

noise caused by the misalignment of the receiver points

tion wells are conducted to detect any possible leakage.

and also speeds up the data acquisition.

In the past, point measurements were taken by flow

Repeated 3D seismic surveys aimed at understanding

meters and temperature/pressure gauges installed at

how the CO2 plume spreads are typically conducted

the entrance and exit of the pipeline and at the bottom

every one to several years. To fill this time gap, a fixedof the well. Fiber optic sensing technology, on the other

Surface Orbital Vibrator (SOV) was introduced to allow

hand, continues real-time monitoring of the entire

frequent data collection.

route section, exploiting the fact that the entire fiber isthe measuring point.
2.1.3 Australia Site
The risks associated with the deployment of CO2 geological storage projects in Japan, where there aremany faults, include the effects of injection on faults
and leakage from faults. To address these risks, fault
zone characterization, fault stability monitoring, fault
leakage detection and monitoring technology are essential. The fiber optic sensing technology developed
by RITE will be an effective tool, but various tests at actual sites are essential to establish these technologies.
For this reason, since fiscal 2021, we have been con-Figure 2 Overview of the fiber optic monitoring system

ducting a Japan-Australia joint research project with anat the North Dakota site

Australian research institute that has a test site where
known faults are distributed. A CO2 leak detection field

The SOV is a permanent vibration device that trans-

test from a shallow fault using fiber optic sensing tech-mits vibration into the formation by means of an in-

nology is underway at the Otway site in southwest Vic-

clined weight mounted on a concrete block rotating at

toria, Australia. The site is a demonstration test sitehigh speed. They can be remotely and automaticallywhere tens of thousands of t of CO2 have been injected

controlled, eliminating the need for an on-site operator

by the Australian research institute CO2CRC. Two new

to vibrate. At the North Dakota site, SOVs are installed

wells have been drilled at the site, a new fiber-optic ca-

at four locations on the site and vibrate as required. Of

ble capable of high performance DSS (strain measure-

the recordings made, the (zero) offset recordings arement) has been installed and water injection tests have62

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research Groupbeen conducted. Hydraulic characterization of the site

RITE Today 2024

2.2 CCS Commercialization Support

and the fault is now underway using the measured data.

With the start of the Japanese advanced CCS support

We plan to evaluate the performance of small-scale CO2

projects by JOGMEC in FY2023, the large-scale deploy-

injection for leak detection in the future.

ment and commercialization of CCS in now started.
RITE is also undertaking research and development tosupport large-scale deployment of CCS. Specifically,
RITE has been conducting research and development
on methods to promote understanding of CCS deployment areas, support for setting up appropriate CCS
commercialization forms, and economic evaluation of
CCS. The progress of the projects are reported below.

Figure 3 Fiber optic installation work at Otway site

2.2.1 Communication with Local Communities in CCS
Projects

At the South Perth site in south-west Western Aus-

Once the project candidate sites have been chosen,

tralia, field tests are underway to assess fault stability,

the project developers need to communicate withparticularly for deep faults. At the test site, a well has

stakeholders and local residents to gain their under-

been drilled through the deep fault zone and fiber-optic

standing and support for the project. Communication

cables have been installed to evaluate the hydraulic andactivities should be conducted as early as possible withmechanical properties of the fault and fracture zone

a wide range of stakeholders. The basic idea is that thebased on DSS (strain measurement) results and to as-

communication activity should be a two-way process,sess fault reactivity. In FY2023, a new inclined well waswith close communication with the local community at

drilled. The successful installation of the optical fiber ca-

an early stage and local ideas and wishes being incor-

ble in the back of the casing of the inclined well has im-

porated into the project plan, rather than a one-way

proved the optical fiber installation technique for CO2

communication from the project proponent to the local

geological storage monitoring. We plan to conduct fluid

community, with the project proponent asking the local

injection tests in the future and evaluate the hydrauliccommunity to accept the project after all the projectand mechanical properties of the fault using the results

plans have been decided. RITE has conducted researchof the same measurements.

on communication with local communities in the deployment of CCS projects. This paper discusses the importance of raising awareness of CCS in the early stagesof communication. There have been cases overseas
where local residents and stakeholders were unfamiliar
with CCS and the project plan proceeded without theirknowledge of CCS, leading to opposition to the project

Figure 4 Fiber optic installation at the southern Perthfrom the local community. Therefore, it is important tosite, Australia

have local residents and stakeholders understand CCS.
In Japan, awareness of CCS is low, with about half of63

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research Groupthe general public having never even heard of the term.

RITE Today 2024

read with inserting diagrams and illustrations.

Therefore, it is necessary to familiarize people with theterm "CCS. After all, even if there is a communication

2.2.2 Analysis of Local Economic impacts by deploy-

event about "CCS" that they have never heard of at all,ment of CCS

they are unlikely to want to participate. The government

When applying CCS projects, it is important to explain

considers CCS as an important option toward carbon

not only the technical and scientific aspects of CCS, but

neutrality, and advanced CCS projects started last year.

also the socio-economic benefits that the project will

We expect to see and hear the term "CCS" more often

bring to the local community. RITE has developedin the future, and for the time being, CCS providers also

methodology for analyzing the local economic impacts

need to promote the term "CCS" as a first step in theirof CCS deployment and has applied it to actual areas tocommunication activities.

appeal the socio-economic benefits. The following out-

As more people see and hear the term "CCS," morelines how to examine the benefits

people are likely to search for and look up CCS. The first

Estimation of CCS Investments

information a person decides to look up "CCS" is im-

First of all, it is necessary to figure out the CCS

portant. This information may lead them to have posi-

scheme and determine the total investment amount.

tive or negative opinions about CCS. Misinformation

These are specified using the emission source data baseabout CCS can prevail. For example, information about(DB) and CCS cost estimation tool described below.

CCS that was spread by a celebrity social networking

Analysis of Economic impact by CCS investmentssite immediately after the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earth

After determining the total amount of the CCS invest-

quake was considered "fake news," Initial exposure toments, we estimate direct, indirect and induced eco-misinformation can lead to misconceptions about CCS.

nomic effects and the employment opportunity gains

It is said that once people believe information and baseby the CCS investment.

their ideas on that information, those ideas are not eas-

To estimate the CCS investment impacts on the local

ily changed In addition, people tend to selectively ac-

economy, we could use the input-output table and eco-

cept only the information that matches their own ideas,

nomic effect analysis tool provided by each local gov-

and nowadays, through social networking services,

ernment. However, "CCS" is a new industry and the ex-people tend to connect only with others who share theiristing tables and tools do not include such items. There-

ideas, thus reinforcing their ideas. It is therefore im-fore, the components of the CCS industries have exam-

portant that information based on scientific and aca-

ined and arranged by combining existing industry items.

demic knowledge about CCS is easy to find in searches.

Finally, we produce the analysis tool fit on the CCS type

However, even if it is easy to find in a search, it isand the targeted local economy. As the components ofmeaningless if it is not read.

We, RITE, have prepared

CCS projects are diverse, definition of the details of the

FAQs to answer questions that the general public may

CCS industrial structure and its procedures is a future

have about CCS. This FAQs is to help people who arework in progress.

searching or investigating "CCS" to solve their questions.

Economic impacts of site visits

A (Answers) are designed to be readable without prior

In addition to the industrial economic impacts of at-

knowledge for the purpose. We plan to develop thetracting the CCS, the host area will also benefit from the

FAQs to make it even more approachable and easy toeconomic impact of the site visits by bringing visitors to64

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024

understand what is CCS. In fact, many domestic and in-Application and adaptation of the analysis method

ternational visitors came to Tomakomai, Hokkaido,

The above is an introduction to the methodology forwhere the large-scale CCS demonstration was tested. It

analyzing the local economic impacts of CCS. We haveis also important to estimate the number of CCS visitors

already applied the method in some areas, but weand analyze the induced impacts of their visits by refer-would like to increase the number of practical examples

ring to such previous examples. Some local govern-of the analysis and improve its accuracy and usability inments provide tools to assess the economic impact of

the near future. If you are considering the local eco-

tourism, which should be applied.

nomic impact of CCS, we would like to hear from you.

Approach to improve economic benefits
The main components of the CCS industry are 'con-

2.2.3 Development of CO2 emission source databasestruction' and the procurement of materials and equip-

Appropriate matching of CO2 emission sources andment such as 'general-purpose machinery'. Construc-reservoirs is crucial for the commercialization of CCS.

tion can largely be carried out locally, contributing to

Therefore, RITE is working on the development of a CO2

the expansion of economic impacts. Many materials

emission source database (hereinafter referred to as

and equipment, however, cannot be sourced in the CCS"emission source DB") to support this matching.

deployment area, and this is a factor in the absence of
local economic stimulation.
The input-output table shows the self-sufficiency ofBelow is an overview of its data structure, functional
overview, and future development.
Data structure of the emission source DB

relevant industries, and improving this value can boost

The Ministry of the Environment's public data based

the economic benefits. It provides quantitative guid-on the "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculation, Report-

ance on which industries and human resources shoulding, and Publication System" (hereafter referred to as

be developed locally.

"Greenhouse Gas Public Data") contains over 10,000

Thus, the consultation of the economic impacts of

CO2 emission source information. The Emission Sources

CCS will also contribute to the design of industrial de-

DB is based on this information, and addresses the fol-velopment policies in the region where it is located.

lowing a), b), and c) to fit the characteristics of decar-

CCS/CCU Coordination Effectiveness Analysis

bonization through CCS.

As well as the geological storage of CO2, the use ofa) Estimation of direct CO2 emissions and DB

CO2 (CCU) is also attracting attention. In the case of CCU,

The CO2 emissions of each site in the Greenhouse Gas

matching CO2 supply and demand is critical. In somePublic Data include the CO2 equivalent of electricity andcases, however, the supply of CO2 far exceeds demand,heat supplied by others as a numeric value. CCS collects

forcing the captured CO2 to be vented. If CCS is used inand stores the direct CO2 emissions actually emitted by

conjunction with CCU, the excess CO2 for CCU can be

the business site concerned, and it is needs to exclude

stored underground and create carbon reduction cred-

CO2 emissions equivalent to electricity and heat. There-

its.

fore, a "direct emission factor" is calculated for each

In other words, the use of CCS helps to reduce thebusiness type using a specific statistical method, multi-

uncertainty of CCU businesses and increase their pre-plied by the CO2 in Greenhouse Gas public Data, anddictability; this perspective is also important when dis-the direct CO2 emissions from each business site are de-cussing the economic benefits of CCS.

termined for the database.

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R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024b) Inclusion of biomass fuel CO2 emission source information
The data of the Greenhouse Gas public Data covers
CO2 emissions from fossil fuels, while CO2 emissions
from biomass fuels are not covered because they arecarbon neutral. On the other hand, biomass power
plants also emit CO2, which can be captured and stored
for BECCS and negative emissions, which are importantfactors in promoting decarbonization. Therefore, we arealso investigating CO2 emission source informationfrom biomass fuels with reference to information fromthe Agency for Natural Resources and Energy's Electric-

Figure 5 Example of integrated display of CO2 emission

ity Survey Statistics, etc., to estimate CO2 emissions andsource and storage potential

incorporate them into the emission source DB.
c) Reflection of storage potential informationb) Information screening function

Mapping information on storage potentials from the

The visualized map can be moved freely, and specificNational Reservoir Availability Survey conducted byareas can be zoomed in on. In addition, information on

RITE is also reflected in the emission source DB.

emission sources can be extracted by circling an area,

Information mapping and screening capabilities

which can be used to cluster emission sources. It is alsoa)Mapping of emission sources with potential reservoirs

possible to display emission sources by type, such as

In order to properly match emission sources and res-coal-fired power plants and factories. For example, if

ervoirs, it is important to visually grasp their location.

the display is limited to CO2 emission sources from

Therefore, we realized a function to map the databiomass fuels, it can contribute to the development ofshown in ➀. Figure 5 is an example of such a mapping,CO2 offsetting strategies through BECCS.

where emission sources are concentrated on the Pacific➂ Work towards the Platform to Help

Ocean side and reservoirs are mostly located on the Sea

Commercialization of CCS

of Japan, and their geological characteristics can beeasily captured.

In anticipation of the large-scale and full deploymentof CCS, the ability to map existing gas pipelines, thescreening of inland emission sources at a certain
distance based on the concentration of CO2 emissions
will be added over time to the features alreadydescribed. The commercialization of CCS requires thecooperation of a wide range of stakeholders, including
policy makers, engineers, investors and business
managers, to steer the direction of the project.
This database will facilitate quick access to required
information and the sharing of information between
stakeholders using the visualization function. In

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R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024

addition, we plan to link it with other support functions,storage process. As most storage in Japan is consideredsuch as the CCS cost estimation tool to be introduced

subsea, this tool targets subsea storage. The sea area

next, to create a platform that accurately supports thesetting is determined by the offshore distance watercommercialization of CCS. If you have any comments or

depth of the storage location, and the system

requests regarding this DB, please let us know.

automatically selects one of the following threemethods: A. Injection from land (Tomakomai method),

2.2.4 Development of CCS cost estimation toolThis tool has been developed to enable industrial
companies to compare the costs of several possible

B. Injection from a fixed base (jack-up method), or C.
Injection from a floating base (semi-submersible
method).

project types. In addition to estimating a range of costs

Figure 6 shows the three storage methods comparedfrom capture to storage for stand-alone CCS, the toolin this study. The left side of the figure shows an image

also includes cost estimates for hubs and clusters whereof the storage system, and the right side shows themultiple emitters are aggregated in coastal areas.

assumptions used in the estimation.

The latter multiple emitter cost estimation tool is also
useful to specifically assess the extent to which theproposed configuration of aggregation groups using
the source database (2.2.3) is expected to reduce costs,
or whether such a configuration is the best one.
Furthermore, because this tool can perform calculations
at high speed, results can be checked in real time asparameters are changed. We therefore believe that thetool will be used to support the trial and error processof finding the optimal deployment of a CCS project.
The cost that the tool can estimate

Figure 6 Illustration of storage methods

Assuming CCS in Japan, the tool includes options foreach of the capture, transport and storage processes.

In addition, the injection of CO2 into the subsurface

For example, coal-fired and LNG-fired power plants are

requires associated monitoring, so the monitoring costs

among the options for capture while onshore, offshore

are also included in the estimation of the storage

pipelines and maritime transport are among theprocess.

options for transport.
In addition to these process-related options, theFigure 7 shows the difference of the costs storage
methods.

project period annual CO2 throughput, discount rate,

During the test calculation, we varied the amount ofand exchange rate can be set as options related to theCO2 (injection volume) in five steps from 1 Mt/yr toentire CCS project. By selecting and combining these

5Mt/yr, and examined how much economies of scale

options, users can build the CCS they envision in thewould occur.

tool.

The figure shows that the lowest storage cost was

An example of estimationachieved by injecting from land, followed by a fixed

Here we present an example of estimation in thebase type and the floating type. Regarding economies

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R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research GroupRITE Today 2024of scale, the floating type was effective up to 3Mt /yr,setting is that there is a difference in the total amountbut not at higher CO2 throughputs. For the otherof CO2 already contracted between Groups A and B. It

storage methods, economies of scale were small oris assumed that Group A and Group B have 3Mt/yr andalmost nonexistent.

1.5M t/yr of CO2 secured, respectively. It is also

In terms of monitoring, on the other hand, economies

assumed that emitter X bears the cost of the onshoreof scale were found to significant in all three storage

pipeline from emitter X (1 Mt/yr) to the hub of eachmethods. In terms of cost, injecting from land was moregroup, and that the ship transportation distance andexpensive than the others. This may be because thestorage method are the same for both groups. The

water depth setting was 45 m, which did not allow for

distance between Port A and Port B was assumed to beseismic exploration using streamers, therefore seismic

100 km (with a hub at each port).

exploration using an ocean bottom receiving cable(OBC) was employed.

Figure 8 Image of CCS facilities grouping formation

Figure 7 Difference in the cost of storage method

Considerations for networking of emitters
In terms of reducing the cost of CCS, the networkingof emitters in hubs, clusters and the processing of large
quantities of CO2 can have a significant cost-reducing
effect.

As networking is a cost-reducing measure thatcan be implemented with existing technologies, theidea of clustering emitters for joint implementation is anatural concept. In this section, we will explore which of
the two networking groups forming in a given coastal
area would be more advantageous for intermediate
emitters to join.
Figure 8 shows an image of the consolidation groupformation process. The figure shows that there are twogroups under consideration, Group A and Group B. The

Figure 9 shows the relationship between distancefrom emitter X to port A and CCS costs. The purple line
shows the cost of using Port A and the orange line
shows the cost of using Port B. The top figure in Figure
9 is for the case where emitter X implemented CCS
alone and was not affected by the networking group, soboth costs simply meet at the midpoint between thetwo ports (50 km).
On the other hand, in the lower panel of Figure 9,
emitter X is affected by the networking group, andGroup A, which originally had a larger CO2 processing
scale, has a larger cost reduction than Group B. As aresult, the purple line has moved more downward, andthus the intersection of the lines has moved to the right.
This shows that for emitter X, it is less expensive toparticipate in group A when the distance from port A is68

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within 80 km, and beyond that, i.e., when the distancefrom port B is within 20 km, it is less expensive toparticipate in group B.

RITE Today 2024

2.3. Practical Guidance
RITE has been working on the development of various
technologies and methodologies, including monitoring

Note that in the above discussion, we considered only

technologies, for the practical application of CO2

the CO2 throughput and distance from source X forgeological storage technology. Based on the results ofGroups A and B. In reality, there are many variations. For

these efforts, RITE has been is preparing a Practicalexample, Groups A and B could have different shipping

Guidance for Geological CO2 Storage (hereinafter

distances, different storage methods, different injectionreferred to as this Practical Guidance) as part of therates, different project periods, and even one of thedevelopment of conditions and standards for thegroups could bear the cost of laying the pipeline.

widespread use of CCS.

Working towards the release of the tool

Designed as a reference for future CCS operators, thisAt this point, we have completed the installation ofcollection of case studies summarizes national andthe planned costing engine, which allows us to perform

international technical information and case studies on

the trial calculations shown above. On the other hand,geological storage of CO2. For example, the mainin order to make the tool publicly available, it isfindings of "Development of Carbon Dioxide Geologicalnecessary to provide an interface that is easy for anyone

Storage Technology" (FY2000-2007; Nagaoka CO2

to understand, and at the same time, it is important to

Injection Demonstration Test), "On Safe Implementation

provide easy-to-understand output in the form ofof CCS Demonstration Project" (2009, METI), "Large-

charts and diagrams. Furthermore, since this tool will bescale CCS demonstration test project in Tomakomai"

released as a web system, measures against cyber-(2022, METI, et al.), etc. Manuals and guidelines

terrorism are also considered essential.

summarizing the results of large-scale geological CO2

After completing these various tasks, we plan tostorage projects by overseas organizations are also

conduct tests (field tests) before releasing the system toreferenced. Figure 10 shows the overall CO2 geologicalthe public on the Internet, and release it to the publicstorage project described in this Practical Guidance.

once its reliability and stability are confirmed.

Figure 9 Distance from emission source X to port A andCCS Cost Relationship

Figure 10 Overall structure of the CO2 geological storage
project

69

R&D Activities CO2 Storage Research Group(1)Master Planning

RITE Today 2024

will be improved to develop the accuracy of the long-

The overall picture/basic concept of the projectterm behavior prediction. Monitoring of CO2 leakage(including economic feasibility study), work policy andwill also be conducted.

content in each phase, timetable, etc. are presented.

(7) Site closure(2) Site selection (screening)

Upon completion of CO2 injection, the injection well

Based on the overall plan presented in the masterwill be closed, all facilities will be removed except thoseplan, candidate site(s) that meet the requirements as

required for post-closure monitoring. Following site

CO2 storage site(s) will be selected using existingclosure, confirmation of CO2 behavior and leakgeological data.

monitoring will continue. After some time, when the(3) Decision on the site

regulatory authority determines that the site is safe, theCO2 Geological data will be gathered for candidatestorage sites as necessary and evaluated in detail. A

site management and other operations will betransferred to a public organization.

geological model will be developed and the CO2
storage capacity will be evaluated by injection
simulation, and an economic and risk assessment will
be performed based on the conceptual design oftransport and injection facilities. As a result, theinjection site will be finalized.
(4) Implementation planning
Based on the results of the site characterization,
develop a specific project deployment, work plan forCO2 injection operations and monitoring. Make a final
investment

decisionincluding

total

project

cost/economics study, risk assessment, etc., and submit

Figure 11 Practical Guidance for Geological CO2 Storage,
Series 1-7

the deployment plan for project application to theregulatory authority.
(5) Design and construction
Once the project is approved by the regulatory
authority, the detailed design of the injection andSeries 1-7 of Practical Guidance, has been written andwill be uploaded successively on websites of METI and
NEDO to share the knowledge with the Southeast Asiaand the rest of the world.

transportation facilities, etc. is carried out on the basisof the conceptual and basic designs made up to thatpoint, as well as the construction and commissioning.
(6) Operation and management
Injection operations will be carried out according to
the deployment plan. The spread of the CO2 plume
injected underground and pressure changes in thereservoir will be monitored, and if there are deviations
from the CO2 behavior simulation, the geological model70