Bow Valley Carbon Cochrane

CO2 would be sequestered ~3.8 kilometers below the Cochrane Extraction Plant in a geological formation ideally suited to permanent storage.

Dedicated Groundwater and soil monitoring prior to drilling and after startup.

Permanent seismic monitoring system around the injection location will continuously monitor for seismic activities and track CO2 in geological formation. Reservoir monitoring ensures injected CO2 remains inside the storage complex

Drill a 3,900m well into a deep saline aquifer that will contain CO2.

CO2 from Cochrane extraction plant will be sent to sequestration well

Fiber optic cable and various instruments will be installed within the well to continuously monitor the condition of the well and track CO2 status close to the well. 

Cap rock is a natural barrier that keeps CO2 safely stored deep underground in the saline aquifer.

Geological formation where CO2 will be permanently stored.

Bow Valley Carbon Cochrane (BVCC)

Reducing emissions in Alberta 

The demand for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is diversifying Alberta’s energy sector and supporting the shift towards decarbonization.

Inter Pipeline and Entropy intend to develop an underground, environmentally safe carbon storage facility adjacent to the Cochrane Extraction Plant by drilling a well in 2025. The plant is located north of Cochrane and is owned by an Inter Pipeline subsidiary.

The CO2 that is already captured from this plant, which has been historically vented to the atmosphere, will be injected into the well for permanent storage. 

Background

In October 2022, the Government of Alberta granted an Inter Pipeline subsidiary the right to evaluate subsurface CO2 storage space allowing for further development of the storage project.

Inter Pipeline has created a new entity—Bow Valley Carbon Cochrane Limited Partnership—to construct, own and operate the project ensuring oversight and compliance with regulatory and environmental requirements.

This project further demonstrates Inter Pipeline’s commitment to sustainable operations through reducing emissions from its own assets.

What is Subsurface CO2 Storage?

Carbon capture and storage—often referred to as sequestration—is the process of capturing and permanently storing carbon dioxide that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. Alberta has unique subsurface geological formations deep below the ground, ideal for permanent storage of CO2. One such location exists below the Cochrane Extraction Plant.

Carbon capture and storage has been safely deployed for more than 50 years, but is relatively new to Alberta. The Shell Quest has safely captured and stored over 8 million tonnes of CO2 in the Edmonton area since its operation began in 2015.

Project Overview & Objectives
  • Bow Valley Carbon Cochrane intends to sequester carbon emissions within a sub-surface geological formation situated 3,800 metres below the Cochrane Extraction Plant.
  • The project is expected to commence Phase 1 in 2025, with an initial service date expected sometime in the second half of 2026.
  • This project will consist of drilling a well and injecting CO2 produced from the Cochrane Extraction Plant’s operations.
  • CO2 that will be injected into the well is currently vented to the atmosphere.
  • Entropy provides specialized expertise for injecting carbon into contained sub-surface reservoirs on a permanent basis.
  • This project is supported by funding from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) through its Energy Innovation Program (EIP).
Ensuring Secure CO2 Storage
  • Dedicated groundwater and soil monitoring prior to injection.
  • Permanent seismic monitoring system around the injection location will continuously monitor for seismic activities and track CO2 in geological formation to ensure injected CO2 remains inside the storage facility.
  • Fiber optic cable and various instruments will be installed within the well to continuously monitor the condition of the well and track the CO2 in the subsurface.
  • Cap rock is a natural barrier that keeps CO2 safely stored deep underground in the saline aquifer.

Bow Valley Carbon Cochrane is dedicated to responsible community engagement. We are committed to actively listening to and addressing the needs and concerns of the communities we work with. Through open consultation and transparent communication, we build meaningful relationships to foster mutual respect, trust, and positive, long-lasting results.

We are actively engaging local communities, building relationships, and evaluating opportunities to facilitate Indigenous economic participation in the project. Together, we are working towards reducing carbon emissions for future generations.

Learn more about Indigenous Relations at Inter Pipeline.

This project would contribute to Canada’s net zero targets and reinforce Alberta’s position as a global leader in responsible resource management. It will generate new employment opportunities directly through construction and operation, helping to ensure thousands of existing jobs.

Learn more about our Community Initiatives.

  • Proven track record of safely building and operating pipelines and plants for more than 25 years.
  • History of taking care of people, the environment, and communities.
  • Heartland Petrochemical Complex recently completed by Inter Pipeline with one of the best safety records for the construction of a large industrial complex of its scale in Alberta’s history.
  • Safety is part of the culture of Inter Pipeline and Entropy and includes regular integrity analysis of infrastructure, emergency training simulations, collaboration with local emergency response forces, and
    community consultation and education efforts.
  • A project built in Alberta is held to the highest standards. Alberta’s regulatory system is globally recognized for safe, efficient, and eco-responsible
    energy development, ensuring adherence to rigorous
    safety and environmental standards.

Learn more about our Environmental Initiatives.

Effective emergency management starts with risk mitigation. Inter Pipeline invests heavily in training and preparedness with the goal of zero incidents.

The Cochrane Extraction Plant has a comprehensive emergency response plan (ERP) detailing roles and responsibilities, critical response procedures, public protection measures, and emergency communication protocols. The Plant also conducts a broad range of emergency response drills and exercises every year to ensure our personnel have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively respond.

In the unlikely event of an emergency, early detection and response is vital for controlling an incident and limiting potential impacts. That is why we operate state-of the-art control centres and leak detection systems allowing us to continuously monitor, and remotely control and operate our systems to address any problems or anomalies the moment they occur.

Learn more about Emergency Preparedness at Inter Pipeline.

Inter Pipeline is pleased to be invited to work with Alberta Energy to further evaluate development of an environmentally safe carbon storage hub. The location outlined in our application for this tenure is north of Cochrane where we currently operate the Cochrane Natural Gas Extraction Plant. This project highlights Inter Pipeline’s commitment to sustainable operations through reducing emissions both at its own assets and at those of others in the energy industry. We look forward to working closely with the Government of Alberta to clarify and formalize next steps.

View the Government of Alberta’s news release here.

Inter Pipeline is pleased to be partnering with Entropy Inc. on this initiative. Entropy is an organization that specializes in carbon capture and storage technology. Brookfield Renewable announced a substantial investment in Entropy earlier this year through its Global Transition Fund.

View Brookfield Renewables news release on Entropy investment here.

Contact Us

In case of emergency, call our 24-hour Emergency Line: 403-932-5810

Further Questions:

 

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