This region includes CO2 emitters in the Caldas da Rainha-Figueira da Foz axis, but there is also the possibility of including sources in Lisbon’s industrial region.
There are a variety of CO2 storage site options both on and in the near offshore. The theoretical onshore capacity is relatively limited at 340 Mt, but offshore resources are much higher, at around 1.6 Gt.
Information about deep geology characteristics is limited, but oil exploration activities in 2012 have resulted in the drilling of some new wells and in offshore 3D seismic surveys, which could yield valuable information about potential CO2 storage sites.
The area contains a number of large and small emitters from different sectors, including: cement; iron and steel; glass, lime; paper and pulp production; and power and heat. A previous research project (CO2 capture and storage in Portugal: a bridge to a low carbon economy) indicated the cement industry as the most interesting sector for deploying CCS in Portugal. The study area includes three cement factories and a promising CCU project using CO2 from cement industry to produce algae.
A number of co-generation biomass plants are under construction or planned, providing the potential for bioenergy with CCS (BECCS), which can deliver negative emissions.
Previous studies have defined preferable pipeline corridors and recent analysis suggests that the ports of Setubal and Sines could also offer CO2 transport options to offshore storage clusters for sources located in south Portugal.
Combined graphic showing sources and volumes of CO2, and potential offshore geological CO2 storage
DOWNLOAD PROJECT BRIEFING
Combined graphic showing sources and volumes of CO2, and potential offshore geological CO2 storage