oa The Role of Petroleum Fields in Advancing CCS on the Norwegian Continental Shelf

This study explores the potential of repurposing depleted petroleum fields for CO2 storage on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS), complementing ongoing efforts in saline aquifer storage. Building on a transparent, data-driven screening methodology, the work evaluates 134 petroleum fields using publicly available reservoir and production data. Key indicators—storage capacity, injectivity, and production lifetime—are combined in a customizable scoring framework, accessible through an open-source tool and web interface.

With Norway advancing its CCS infrastructure and awarding 13 CO2 storage licenses as of 2025, the demand for viable storage sites is growing. The study identifies 48 petroleum fields expected to become available for storage by 2040, including nine large fields with a combined estimated capacity of 3.77 Gt. These fields are strategically located near existing CO2 storage licenses and offer favorable injectivity and potential for infrastructure reuse. By integrating petroleum fields into the broader CCS strategy, this approach enhances storage flexibility, reduces development costs, and accelerates deployment. The open-access tools and datasets support transparent decision-making and foster collaboration across industry and research. This work highlights the strategic role of petroleum fields in scaling up CO2 storage on the NCS and advancing Norway’s climate goals.