By expanding the facility, Exxon Mobil Corporation anticipates capturing up to 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) more, on top of the 6-7 million metric tons of yearly harvest at the LaBarge facility, Wyoming.
In the Madison reservoir located near LaBarge, Wyoming, Exxon operates two acid gas injection (AGI) wells for the primary purpose of acid gas disposal with a secondary purpose of sequestering CO2 geologically. AGI wells have been operated by ExxonMobil since 2005, and, according to the company's multiple statements, will continue to be injected until the end of the field life of the LaBarge assets.
At the moment, it is one of Exxon's most important bases. Despite the high CO2 concentrations in the gas extracted there, ExxonMobil has been implementing several technologies and approaches from the very beginning to effectively manage the significant volumes of CO2 associated with its production. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies and approaches used at LaBarge are examples of technologies and approaches being proposed for use in other industries.
More so, Exxon Mobil regularly affirms its stance on sustainability in the industry by bringing to life CCS projects like this one around the world. The LaBarge facility is a good example since it already captured more CO2 than any other facility on the planet.
Exxon supports policies that ensure a predictable price for carbon emissions, which can lead to more investments in CCS-type projects. With the right policies in place, this type of technology can be implemented immediately to help society reach its lower-emission goals.
Additionally, as the originator of the Low Carbon Solutions initiative, Exxon Mobil is researching and developing low-emission technology and evaluating several large-scale CCS projects in Europe, Asia, and the Gulf Coast. As well as biofuels and hydrogen, the company is looking at strategic investment opportunities to help bring these technologies to scale for the sectors of the global economy with the highest emissions.
As part of its $400 million investment proposal to expand the CCS capabilities of its Wyoming facility, Exxon Mobil has started the process for engineering, procurement, and construction contracts. Operational activities could begin as early as 2025 after a final investment decision is made in 2022.
At present, about 20% of all CO2 captured worldwide each year is captured at the LaBarge. Yet, in addition to the 6-7 million metric tons of CO2 currently captured at the facility, Exxon anticipates that it can push it even further past the glass ceiling. At the moment, the target is to add a million metric tons to the extraction capabilities of the facility, bringing its yearly total to 8 tons of captured CO2.
However, as one of the largest of the world's Big Oil companies, it is not the only project in Exxon's pipeline: aside from CCS capabilities, the LaBarge is one of the world's largest sources of helium, producing approximately 20% of global supply. Exxon Mobil has also been advocating for additional investments in society's most emitting sectors as part of its sustainability policies.
