Small-Scale, Near-Site CCS: A Catalyst for Scaling Up Carbon Capture Projects

ABSTRACT:

This presentation delves into the challenges and opportunities of launching CCS projects, addressing key economic barriers, infrastructure requirements, public perception concerns, and competition from emerging technologies. Drawing on the Harvestone Blue Flint CCS project as a real-world case study, it illustrates how smaller-scale, near-site CCS projects can provide a practical and impactful entry point for meeting emissions reduction targets. The session also emphasizes the importance of innovation in overcoming technical and regulatory hurdles, the need for strategic investment to unlock scalability, and the crucial role of public engagement in building support for CCS initiatives. Ultimately, it advocates for leveraging small-scale projects as a stepping stone to accelerate the wider deployment of carbon capture technologies and realize global decarbonization goals.

BIOGRAPHY:

Zach Liu, PE, PG, CFA, is the Director of Subsurface CCUS at Harvestone Low Carbon Partners, where he oversees one of the few active Class VI CO2 injection operations at the Blue Flint CCS site in North Dakota. With over 25 years of experience in oil and gas, including 15 years focused on CCUS at Kinder Morgan and Harvestone, Zach has built a strong track record of success, having drilled more than 100 CO2 wells. 

He is a licensed Petroleum Engineer, Professional Geologist in Texas, and a CFA charter holder. In 2018, he served as President of SPWLA International. Outside of work, Zach enjoys golf and once hit a 202-yard hole-in-one with a 5-iron.