Aker Solutions, Partners Launch ZEUS Oxyfuel-CCS Solution

Aker Solutions has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a pilot project involving carbon capture and storage (CCS).

The MoU marks the start of Zero Emission Power Station (ZEUS), a pioneering energy solution that utilizes advanced oxyfuel combustion with immediate carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage. The MoU was signed with project partners Petronas Carigali Sdn. Bhd., MISC Bhd, and Clean Energy System Inc, Aker Solutions said in a news release.

The ZEUS technology employs advanced oxyfuel combustion to convert high CO2 natural gas into dispatchable power while capturing 100 percent of the CO2 emissions, according to the release. The CO2 is immediately injected into a reservoir for permanent storage or can be used to increase production of both oil and gas before being permanently stored.

Aker Solutions said that the advantage of ZEUS technology innovation is its ability to handle combustion at elevated pressures, enabling more compact and simplified process equipment. This could lead to significant cost savings while enhancing CO2 management capabilities. “In short, ZEUS aims to deliver zero-emission, affordable and reliable power and it is positioned to be a significant bridge technology in the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape,” the company stated.

Further, another unique characteristic of oxyfuel combustion is that it can burn untreated gas straight from the well, including gas with up to 90 percent CO2, which opens the possibility of utilizing gas reserves that would otherwise be considered uneconomic to develop.

“We're excited to bring ZEUS to life alongside our partners. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to solve energy challenges using innovative technology," Jo Krabbe, executive vice president of Power Solutions at Aker Solutions, said.

The MoU signatories are dedicated to ensuring the ZEUS pilot project gets off to a successful start, according to the release. Once fully demonstrated, the parties intend to scale ZEUS to address rising energy demands and to support the transition to a more renewable energy mix.

Meanwhile, MISC is dedicated to ensuring the technology will be adapted for maritime use and available on dedicated floating units. Technology development will be done in collaboration with key suppliers.

In June, Aker Solutions secured a sizeable long term frame agreement with Azule Energy to provide engineering, procurement, and construction services (EPC) for brownfield projects and modifications for two floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) units in Angola.

Aker Solutions defines a sizeable contract as being between $46.65 million and $140 million (NOK 0.5 billion and NOK 1.5 billion). The work will be focused on the FPSO units Greater Plutonio and PSVM, the company said in an earlier news release.

The contract is a continuation of the current frame agreement between Aker Solutions and operator Azule Energy. It is a frame agreement covering maintenance and modification activities with a duration of three years plus two one-year options.

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