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IPAC-CO2 investigates on the Weyburn case

Publish date: January 25, 2011

Written by: Lorelei Limousin

CCS safety has been under the spotlights since the Kerr family complained against the Weyburn CCS project. An independent and fact-based study has been launched by IPAC-CO2. “This is the right initiative to engage in order to answer people’s doubts and worries and to ensure that carbon dioxide storage is safe”, says Paal Frisvold, leader of Bellona´s Environmental CCS Team.

The objective of the study is to find out the root cause of the CO₂ leakage, which occurred in Weyburn, Canada. IPAC-CO2 is a NGO created in 2009 to work with CO2 capture and storage. They see CCS as a sustainable energy and environmental option.

The NGO has gathered experts – all independent from the Weyburn project – to conduct performance assessments of the protocols and practices in this CCS project, in reaction to the complaints by the Kerr family, about the possibility of leaks at their family farm.

“The IPAC-CO2 does not get any money to convey this study” but fulfils its general objectives, e.g.: 

  • To increase public, industry and regulator confidence in the safety and permanence of geologic storage of CO2 .
  • To advance the exchange of knowledge and best practices on geologic storage of CO₂

IPAC-CO2 will share the results of the study with all stakeholders, the public, media, industry and regulators when complete. Best practices and protocol to face this kind of situation will result from the study. The world’s first Community of Practice for CCS has been launched at www.ipac-co2.org for this purpose.

The Bellona Foundation supports IPAC-CO2’s initiative, as it helps to meet the crucial need of independent and scientific assessments of CO₂ storage, in order to ensure that CCS is totally safe.

See The Bellona Foundation’s reaction to the Weyburn case here. 

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