Transocean to drill Norwegian CO2 injection wells
US drilling contractor Transocean will drill CO2 injection wells later this year at the Northern Lights carbon transport and storage project in the Norwegian North Sea, the company reported on January 18.
Transocean will deploy its Transocean Enabler rig for the work under an existing contract with Norway's Equinor, Northern Lights' operator. The rig will drill a new CO2 injection well as well as a sidetrack for another CO2 injection well completed in early 2020.
"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," Transocean said.
The Transocean Enabler semi-submersible is contracted to work for Equinor until 2024.
Northern Lights is a partnership of Equinor, TotalEnergies and Shell set to store 5mn metric tons or more annually of CO2 from industry. Commercial operations are due to start in 2024. Equinor recently awarded PGS with a seismic survey contract for the project.