New research provides evidence that a former North Sea gas field could play a critical role in helping the UK reach net zero emissions while safeguarding thousands of jobs in Britain’s most carbon-intensive region.
Published today by the Geological Society a study led by the University of Aberdeen concludes that the Viking South gas field has the geological suitability, proven containment integrity and operational readiness needed to become one of the UK’s most advanced and reliable offshore carbon dioxide (CO2) storage sites.
Crucially, the research suggests that large-scale carbon storage could be delivered without leading to deindustrialisation, offering a credible pathway for the Humber, the UK’s highest-emitting industrial region, to decarbonise while remaining economically competitive.
The study draws on extensive seismic, well, core and production data to argue that Viking South meets all the fundamental criteria required for safe and effective carbon storage. The study states that the same rock formations that securely trapped gas for centuries and throughout decades of production could now permanently hold CO2.
The paper outlines that not only is the storage reservoir laterally extensive and well connected, it demonstrates the long-term integrity of the evaporite top seal, has a record of no leakages and that all legacy wells have been properly plugged and abandoned. As such, the authors say Viking South is ready for CO2 injection from a geological and engineering perspective, and is confirmed as one of the largest, most technically mature and robust carbon storage sites in the UK North Sea.
Lead report author Professor John Underhill, Director of Energy Transition at the University of Aberdeen’s Interdisciplinary Institute, said: 'Unlike many other proposed storage sites, Viking South does not rely on assumptions and has a proven track record of safe operations. Originally christened the Victor Field, it produced natural gas safely for more than 30 years before ceasing operations in 2016.
'The field’s geological behaviour is well understood and stress tested by history. During its productive life it delivered over one trillion cubic feet of natural gas from its Permian Leman Sandstone reservoir, with no significant water ingress, no loss of containment and no integrity failures. It is those same characteristics that make it ideally suited for the next chapter in its life, permanent CO2 storage.'
The report estimates the site is capable of storing up to 88 million tonnes of CO2, placing it among the UK’s most significant individual storage sites. With the Humber region responsible for around 20 million tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, access to carbon capture and storage is vital for supporting many of its core industries.
The study also proposes that Viking South is uniquely positioned to serve the Immingham Industrial Cluster, offering a short, efficient transport route from onshore infrastructure to offshore storage. Existing pipelines and terminals, originally built for gas, can be reused, dramatically reducing costs, disruption and delivery time.
'This matters because carbon storage is not just about emissions and the permanent sequestration of carbon in the subsurface,' added Professor Underhill 'it is also about supporting the supply chain, retaining jobs, building skills and regional prosperity.
'By enabling heavy industry to continue operating while cutting emissions, Viking South has the potential to support thousands of existing skilled jobs across the Humber; provide continued investment in manufacturing, refining and energy infrastructure; boost economic growth during and after the energy transition; and avoid the social and economic damage of industrial decline.
'As the research shows, Viking South is not just a storage site, it is a blueprint for how the UK can cut emissions at scale while protecting jobs, communities and economic resilience.'
Viking CCS has already been recognised by the UK government as a priority project, receiving Track-2 status in the UK’s carbon storage programme. Planning consent has been granted for the key onshore pipeline, marking a major step towards delivery.
Harbour Energy is the lead operator of the Viking CCS (carbon capture and storage) project and has a goal of reutilising existing assets and subsurface expertise to enable large-scale and cost-effective industrial decarbonisation in the UK at pace.
Graeme Davies, EVP CCS, Harbour Energy, said: 'The Viking South carbon storage site in the Southern North Sea demonstrates how existing infrastructure and subsurface knowledge can support the UK’s energy transition at pace and in a cost-effective way.
'We welcome this robust independent assessment from the University of Aberdeen, which demonstrates real-world impact and societal benefit and continues to build confidence in the large-scale deployment of CCS in the UK, enabling jobs and economic growth in the Humber region.'
Source: Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
