A Gate-to-Gate Life Cycle Assessment for the CO2-EOR Operations at Farnsworth Unit (FWU)

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to the Farnsworth Unit’s (FWU) carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) operations were accounted for through a gate-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) period of about 10 years, since start injection 2020, and predictions 18 additional years CO2-EOR operation made. The CO2 source FWU project has been 100% anthropogenically derived from exhaust an ethanol plant fertilizer plant. A cumulative amount 5.25 × 106 tonnes recovered 1.64 purchased CO2, which 92% was stored during 10-year period. An LCA analysis conducted on various unit process yielded net negative (positive storage) 1.31 equivalent, representing 79% CO2. optimized 18-year forecasted estimated 86% storage 3.21 with equivalent 2.90 crude produced by 2038. Major contributors flaring/venting energy usage equipment. Improvements efficiency equipment would reduce further but this could be challenging. Improvement capacity elimination venting/flaring or fugitive are methods more likely utilized reducing cases used scenario in work. This illustrated potential store minimal emissions.