Transocean Enabler to drill Northern Lights injection well and sidetrack

In support of the Northern Lights Carbon Capture Storage Project, Transocean will drill two carbon injection wells. Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies are collaborating on the project. It's the first cross-border, open-source carbon dioxide transport and storage infrastructure network in the European Union.

The Northern Lights Carbon Capture Storage Project is a partnership between Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies, and Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) has just announced that the Transocean Enabler will drill one carbon injection well and a sidetrack for another carbon injection well drilled early in 2020 as part of its current drilling contract with Equinor. The goal of the project is to create the first open-source, transnational carbon dioxide transport and storage infrastructure network in the European Union, which will help reduce emissions and remove CO2 from the atmosphere.

“We are proud to participate in this important carbon capture and storage project in support of the EU’s energy policy and climate objectives,”

said Janelle Daniel, Transocean’s Vice President of Human Resources, Sustainability, and Communications.

“Beyond our core business of drilling ultra-deepwater and harsh environment wells, this is an excellent example of how we can further leverage our rigs and core competencies in support of renewable and alternative energy projects in offshore markets across the globe.”

More than 23 years of secure carbon dioxide storage have laid the groundwork for the Northern Lights. When finished, the network for transporting and storing carbon dioxide will allow businesses across Europe to permanently and safely deposit their CO2 underground. The European Union recognizes it as a Project of Common Interest because it is an important piece of cross-border infrastructure that will help to integrate Europe's energy markets and advance the bloc's stated climate and energy goals.

The Transocean Enabler is a semi-submersible rig built to work in extreme conditions. Until 2024, it must fulfill its obligations to Equinor.

Source: Transocean news