CO2 EOR Market

CO2 EOR Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global CO2 EOR market size is expected to exceed a valuation of US$ 4.6 billion by 2023. It is likely to surpass more than US$ 7 billion by 2033. Carbon dioxide (CO2) enhanced oil recovery (EOR) demand is anticipated to expand at an average CAGR of 4.2% in the forecast period from 2023 to 2033.

Demand for CO2 EOR is experiencing a significant rise in recent years due to several compelling factors. This technique, which involves injecting carbon dioxide into oil reservoirs to extract additional oil, has gained prominence. It is mainly due to its potential to address multiple challenges faced by the oil & gas sector.

As conventional oil reserves continue to decline globally, the sector is seeking innovative methods to extract the remaining oil. CO2 EOR offers an attractive solution by utilizing existing reservoirs and enabling recovery of previously inaccessible or uneconomical oil reserves. This technique allows for extraction of additional oil, prolonging the life of mature oilfields and maximizing their productivity.

In several countries heavily reliant on oil imports, CO2 EOR might present an opportunity to improve energy security by reducing dependence on external sources. By utilizing domestic oil reservoirs more effectively, CO2 EOR contributes to increasing domestic oil production. It can further help in reducing the need for imports and enhancing energy self-sufficiency.

CO2 EOR can align with efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by providing a viable pathway for carbon capture and storage. The process involves capturing CO2 from industrial sources such as power plants or industrial facilities, and injecting it into oil reservoirs for enhanced oil recovery. This approach might not only reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere but also sequester the captured carbon within the reservoir, effectively storing it underground.

Advancements in drilling and reservoir engineering technologies are set to significantly improve the feasibility and efficiency of CO2 EOR. Advanced techniques such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing might allow for better access to reservoirs.

They can further help optimize distribution of injected CO2, leading to higher oil recovery rates. These technological advancements are projected to make CO2 EOR economically viable for a wider range of oilfields.

Potential economic benefits associated with CO2 EOR have attracted increasing attention from oil & gas companies, governments, and investors. Additional oil recovery achieved through CO2 EOR can result in substantial financial gains.

A few governments might also offer tax incentives or regulatory frameworks to encourage the deployment of CO2 EOR. It is anticipated to further help in bolstering its attractiveness as a viable option for oil production and carbon management.

What Are the Key CO2 EOR Market Trends Listed by Future Market Insights (FMI)?

• Increasing adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies worldwide is a leading trend.
• Growing investment in CO2 infrastructure development is anticipated to foster demand.
• Integration of advanced reservoir characterization and modeling techniques would help the market to expand.
• Rising demand for enhanced oil recovery techniques in mature oil fields would propel demand.
• Expanding regulatory support and incentives for CO2 EOR deployment is a key trend.

2018 to 2022 CO2 EOR Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2023 to 2033

The global CO2 EOR market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.2% in the evaluation period. It registered a decent CAGR of 5.6% during the historical period from 2018 to 2022.

Governments of various countries might offer tax credits, deductions, or subsidies specifically targeted at CO2 EOR projects. These financial incentives can reduce the costs associated with implementing CO2 EOR.

They can also make it more economically attractive for oil & gas companies. By lowering the financial burden, governments can encourage increased investment in CO2 EOR and stimulate its demand.

Governments can further establish supportive regulatory frameworks that streamline the permitting and approval processes for CO2 EOR projects. This includes providing clear guidelines, standards, and procedures for project development, operation, and monitoring.

By ensuring regulatory certainty and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, governments might facilitate the adoption of CO2 EOR. It would help in attracting more companies to invest in and utilize the technology.

A few countries might implement carbon pricing mechanisms such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems to incentivize emissions reductions. CO2 EOR coincides well with these initiatives as it involves capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide.

It also includes effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By valuing and incentivizing carbon reduction efforts, governments would help to create a favorable economic environment that might further propel demand for CO2 EOR.

For instance, British Columbia mentioned that a coordinated national carbon price was imposed in Canada by the federal government. It will start at $20 per ton of carbon dioxide comparable emissions (tCO2e) in 2019 and increase to $65 per ton as of April 1, 2023.

Governments that are committed to addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions would see CO2 EOR as a means to achieve these objectives. By supporting CO2 EOR projects, they can leverage the technology's dual benefits of enhanced oil recovery and carbon capture & storage. This would help to achieve their environmental goals and demonstrate a proactive approach toward mitigating climate change impacts.

Governments of developed countries often prioritize energy security and reducing dependence on oil imports. By supporting CO2 EOR projects through tax incentives and regulatory frameworks, they would be able to promote increased domestic oil production. This would not only enhance energy security but also contribute to the country's economic growth and reduce reliance on external sources of oil.

The Government of India, for instance, is making every effort to lessen reliance on imports. The country’s dependence on petroleum and petroleum equivalent gas imports was 68.9% from 2014 to 15, 72.2% from 2015 to 16, and 77.1% from April to January of the present year through January of 2020 to 21.

Nikhil Kaitwade

Principal Consultant

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Why Are CO2 EOR Sales Expanding at a Fast Pace Worldwide?

• Growing emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through carbon capture and storage is set to propel growth.
• Economic benefits associated with increased oil recovery and carbon utilization are expected to boost sales.
• Supportive government policies and regulatory frameworks promoting CO2 EOR worldwide is expected to accelerate sales.
• Ongoing technological advancements in the fields of drilling and reservoir engineering would help the market expand.

Which Factors Might Limit CO2 EOR Demand in the Assessment Period?

• High upfront investment costs for developing CO2 infrastructure and related facilities might limit demand.
• Complex regulatory frameworks and permitting processes associated with CO2 EOR can decrease sales.
• Geographical constraints such as the proximity of suitable CO2 sources to potential oil reservoirs might hamper sales.

Country-wise Insights

Why is CO2 EOR Demand Rising Astonishingly in the United States?

Supportive Policies in the United States to Raise Adoption of Enhanced Oil Recovery Carbon Capture

The United States CO2 EOR market is expected to witness a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2033. It expanded at a CAGR of 5.5% during the historical period between 2018 and 2022.

The United States possesses substantial natural CO2 resources, particularly in regions with natural CO2 reservoirs or from natural gas processing plants. This abundant availability of CO2 might ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply for EOR projects, which is likely to support the growing demand.

The United States government has implemented supportive policies and regulations that incentivize CO2 EOR projects. For instance, the Section 45Q tax credit provides financial incentives for carbon capture and storage, including CO2 utilized for EOR. Such regulatory support would help encourage increased investment and adoption of CO2 EOR techniques, leading to a surging demand.

The United States also has a significant number of mature oil fields that have been in production for decades. These fields often exhibit declining production rates.

CO2 EOR can present an attractive solution to revive and maximize the productivity of these aging oil fields. It is expected to further contribute to the rising demand for this technique.

With a focus on enhancing energy security and reducing dependence on oil imports, the United States has recognized the potential of CO2 EOR to increase domestic oil production. By utilizing CO2 to recover additional oil from existing reservoirs, the country might bolster its energy self-sufficiency, which is a key driver for the increasing demand.

Would China Create Lucrative Opportunities for CO2 EOR Providers?

Enhanced Oil Recovery Companies in China to Practice Carbon Credit Trading

China CO2 EOR market is anticipated to surge at a CAGR of 4.2% in the assessment period. It is likely to create an absolute dollar opportunity worth US$ 522.7 million in the same period.

China has significant oil reserves and a substantial number of mature oil fields. These fields have reached a stage where conventional extraction methods yield diminishing returns. CO2 EOR might offer a promising solution to tap into the remaining oil resources, making it an attractive opportunity for providers in the country.

China's rapidly growing economy and increasing energy demand necessitate enhanced domestic oil production. CO2 EOR can contribute to meeting this demand by maximizing oil recovery from existing reservoirs. The country's energy requirements are set to create a strong market for CO2 EOR providers to support and boost domestic oil production.

China actively seeks international collaboration and technology transfer to enhance its oil and gas sector capabilities. CO2 EOR providers from countries with advanced expertise in the technology can collaborate with China-based counterparts.

They can share their knowledge and expertise. This collaboration can facilitate the adoption and implementation of CO2 EOR projects in China, creating new opportunities for providers.

China has established a national carbon sector and set ambitious emissions reduction targets. CO2 EOR offers a dual benefit of increased oil production and carbon capture.

It might make it an attractive option for companies looking to participate in carbon credit trading and meet emissions reduction goals. This integration of CO2 EOR with China's carbon sector can create additional economic incentives for providers.

Category-wise Insights

Which is the Top Application of CO2 EOR in the World?

CO2 Tertiary Recovery to Find Extensive Usage in Conventional Oil Fields Worldwide

Based on application, the conventional oil fields segment is likely to record a CAGR of 4.1% in the projection period. It stood at an average CAGR of 5.5% in the historical period.

Conventional oil fields are often larger in scale compared to unconventional resources, offering substantial volumes of oil to recover. Their size and accessibility would make them attractive targets for CO2 EOR projects.

It is because the potential incremental oil production from these fields can be significant. Relatively straightforward access to these fields might further enhance their appeal for CO2 EOR applications.

Conventional oil fields have well-understood reservoir characteristics due to extensive exploration and production history. Knowledge of reservoir properties such as porosity, permeability, and fluid behavior allows for more accurate reservoir modeling and optimization of CO2 injection strategies. This familiarity can help reduce uncertainties and improve the effectiveness of CO2 EOR operations.

Conventional oil fields also typically have well-developed infrastructure in place, including drilling rigs, production facilities, and transportation systems. This existing infrastructure is set to provide a solid foundation for implementing CO2 EOR operations. It would further aid in minimizing the need for significant additional investments or infrastructure development.

Conventional oil fields, especially mature ones, often have significant volumes of unrecovered oil remaining in the reservoir. CO2 EOR offers an effective means to access and extract these additional oil reserves.

Injection of CO2 into the reservoir can displace and mobilize the trapped oil. It can hence increase oil recovery and extend the productive life of the field.

Which is the Leading Source of Obtaining CO2 EOR Globally?

Natural CO2 to be the Highly Preferred Source in Enhanced Oil Recovery Technology Space

In terms of source, the natural CO2 segment is expected to dominate the global CO2 EOR market share by 2033. It is estimated to register more than 4.0% CAGR in the review period. It showcased 5.4% CAGR in the historical period.

Natural CO2 is typically of high purity, often exceeding 95%. It contains minimal impurities, making it suitable for injection into oil reservoirs without causing detrimental effects on the formation or the oil. Consistent composition of natural CO2 might ensure predictable and reliable performance during EOR operations.

Natural CO2 sources such as naturally occurring CO2 reservoirs or CO2 produced as a byproduct of natural gas processing are often readily available and accessible. These sources are geographically distributed.

There is a well-established infrastructure for CO2 transportation and delivery. Proximity and availability of natural CO2 sources is set to minimize logistical challenges and reduce costs associated with sourcing and transporting CO2 for EOR projects.

Natural CO2 sources also have the potential to provide significant quantities of CO2 required for EOR projects. Naturally occurring CO2 reservoirs can contain vast volumes of CO2, ensuring a long-term and reliable supply. Abundant availability of natural CO2 is hence expected to enable sustained EOR operations without concerns of supply limitations.

It further has minimal environmental impacts compared to other sources of CO2. Its extraction from naturally occurring reservoirs or from natural gas processing involves capturing CO2 that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.

Utilizing natural CO2 for EOR effectively sequesters and stores CO2 underground. It is estimated to contribute to greenhouse gas emission reductions and climate change mitigation efforts.

Competitive Landscape

CO2 EOR vendors are focusing on continuous technological advancements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. They are investing in research & development to improve drilling techniques, reservoir modeling, and carbon capture technologies. By staying at the forefront of innovation, these companies can offer superior solutions and maintain a competitive edge.

A few other companies are seeking collaboration and partnerships with leading players such as oil & gas producers, carbon capture technology providers, and research institutions. By leveraging expertise and resources, they can access new markets, share knowledge, and develop mutually beneficial projects. Collaborations would also enable the sharing of risk and cost, further strengthening their positions in the market.

Start-up firms engaged in CO2 EOR might actively seek partnerships with carbon emitters such as power plants or industrial facilities. They might aim to secure a reliable and consistent supply of CO2 for injection. These strategic alliances would ensure a stable source of carbon dioxide and facilitate integration of carbon capture & storage with enhanced oil recovery operations.

Recognizing the growing importance of environmental sustainability, CO2 EOR companies might emphasize their commitment to responsible oil production and carbon management. They would adopt transparent reporting practices, implement environmentally friendly operations, and actively promote positive environmental impact of CO2 EOR. By aligning with sustainability goals, they can strengthen their reputation and attract environmentally conscious investors and partners.

For instance,

• In October 2021, an agreement on collaboration in the execution of oil & gas projects and growth of EOR methods was signed between the Republic of Tatarstan and Gazprom Neft. In order to meet the rising demand for new oil equipment, both parties agreed to work together. Cooperative research would use Western Siberia and the Volga Federal District as technology test beds.
• In August 2021, Schlumberger and J-Power intended to investigate the viability of creating CO2-free hydrogen through coal gasification. The carbon dioxide generated via this technique can be used for EOR.

Scope of the Report

CO2 EOR Market Outlook by Category

By Application:

• Conventional Oil Fields
• Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs
• Mature or Declining Oil Fields

By Source:

• Natural CO2
• Anthropogenic (Man-made) CO2
• Captured CO2

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• South Asia and Pacific
• East Asia
• Middle East & Africa