The prototype system is undergoing testing as part of an initiative to seek decarbonization solutions for the transport sector. Carbon capture programmes typically focus on stationary power and industrial plants, and systems designed for mobile applications represent a new frontier in carbon abatement efforts.
The modified truck employs several technologies to halve CO2 emissions compared with a stock vehicle. The largest reduction comes from a chemical process that pulls a pure stream of CO2 from the exhaust system using thermal energy. This CO2 is stored in on-board tanks where the gas can be sent to a central location for re-use or sequestration.
The system has demonstrated a direct CO2 capture rate of 40% in the laboratory. An additional 10% reduction in carbon emissions comes from other technologies applied to the truck. These include a liftable axle and engine turbo-compounding to reduce fuel consumption while cruising on the highway, low-rolling resistance tires, and a low friction engine lubricant. Aramco’s engineers are also working on plans to convert the engine to run on a lower carbon content gasoline in the future.
Since the prototype system can theoretically be applied to any mobile application, Aramco’s engineers are working with OGCI’s transport workstream to assess the mobile carbon capture concept for use on a marine vessel.
Member companies are focusing on flaring reduction, efficiency improvements, electrification and the integration of renewables in their operations.
Reducing the upstream carbon intensity of Equinor’s oil operations is a major component of its ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Most offshore oil production is powered by CO₂-emitting gas turbines and on average, about 15 kg of CO2 were generated for each barrel of oil equivalent (boe) produced worldwide in 2021.
Eni is using solar energy as a hybrid power option across a series of their oil and gas operations in emerging countries.
In 2018 Petrobras announced its support for the World Bank’s Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative.
Total Energies launched its US$300 million Energy Efficiency Plan in 2018, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its refining and chemicals operations by around one million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Equinor has eliminated 2 million tonnes of annual CO2 emissions from its Norwegian operations over the past decade through energy efficiency initiatives.
Having reduced upstream operated carbon intensity by 20% since 2014, Eni is on track to achieve its company target of 43% reduction by 2025.
Chevron’s new solar plant is expected to provide approximately 80% of energy needs at the Lost Hills oil field
The Cracker of the Future consortium plans to develop technologies that can heat 800°C+ furnaces with electricity instead of fossil fuels.
