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Sustainable energy solutions: Well retrofit analysis and emission reduction for a net-zero future in the Intermountain West, United States of America.
- Source :
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Journal of environmental management [J Environ Manage] 2024 Jun; Vol. 361, pp. 121271. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 May 31. - Publication Year :
- 2024
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Abstract
- To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, we need economic means of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO <subscript>2</subscript> ) and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). We analyze the sequestration potential of the Intermountain West (I-West) region, US, as a primary energy transition hub through analysis of wellbore retrofit potential and emission reduction in both fugitive gas abatement and flare gas. We selected the I-West region due to its abundant energy sources and oil and gas production legacy. Preliminary analysis hints that well retrofits can breathe new life into a well at a fraction of the cost of a new drill. With millions of potential candidates in the US, even a modest fraction (1% or less) suitable for retrofit could accelerate the shift to large-scale CO <subscript>2</subscript> sequestration. Fugitive gas, the unintentional release of wellbore gases such as methane, is a significant emissions source. Through conservative analysis, it is estimated that wellhead leakage alone may account for 5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO <subscript>2</subscript> e) emissions. We conclude by assessing the CO <subscript>2</subscript> emissions from flaring, which is the burning of associated gas during well operations, conservative analysis indicates flaring contributes another 2 million tonnes of CO <subscript>2</subscript> emissions to the region. We find that with targeted retrofit and better controls on emissions sources, the I-West region can make a significant impact in the nation's push to become net-zero. This study outlines economic feasibility and actionable items to achieve the critical reductions in emissions and increases in sequestration necessary to attain net zero.<br />Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.<br /> (Published by Elsevier Ltd.)
- Subjects :
- United States
Greenhouse Effect
Carbon Dioxide analysis
Greenhouse Gases analysis
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1095-8630
- Volume :
- 361
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of environmental management
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38820786
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121271