CCUS technology is essential for meeting net zero emission targets, with significant advancements underway in the United States, Canada, and the ASEAN region. The integration of enhanced gas recovery with carbon capture and storage (CCS) helps to reduce CO₂ injection and storage costs, thereby facilitating project development. Enhanced Gas Recovery (EGR) combined with CCUS optimises natural gas extraction while ensuring secure CO₂ storage.

This process involves injecting fluids such as CO₂ into reservoirs to enhance recovery. The mechanism primarily operates through pressure maintenance: injecting CO₂ sustains reservoir pressure, driving the remaining gas towards production wells. In addition, CO₂ possesses physical properties that further improve gas recovery efficiency.

Integrating CCUS with EGR offers both environmental and economic benefits. From an environmental perspective, it reduces emissions by capturing industrial CO₂ and injecting it into reservoirs for permanent storage, supporting international climate goals. Major organisations such as the IPCC and IEA identify CCUS-EGR as a crucial pathway to achieving net zero emissions.

Economically, EGR increases production from existing fields, generating revenue that can offset capture costs. Infrastructure development creates employment opportunities and stimulates economic growth, while ongoing research drives innovation in capture technologies and reservoir management. This synergy also enhances energy security by maximising domestic resource utilisation. Furthermore, CCUS-EGR projects can generate additional income through carbon credits in emerging markets, providing direct financial incentives for investment. In this way, CO₂ is transformed from a liability into a valuable commodity with sequestration value.

Evolving carbon pricing mechanisms and supportive regulatory frameworks worldwide are designed to improve the economic viability of such projects, making them increasingly attractive to investors seeking sustainable and profitable opportunities. By converting CO₂ emissions into an asset—through enhanced energy recovery and tradable carbon reductions—CCUS-EGR exemplifies a circular economy approach that delivers both environmental protection and economic value, contributing significantly to a sustainable energy future.

The successful implementation of CCUS-EGR projects is critical in demonstrating their tangible contribution to CO₂ emission reduction and achieving substantial net CO₂ storage. Globally, several examples highlight the technical feasibility and economic viability of integrating CCUS with EGR. In mature gas basins, projects have injected millions of tonnes of industrial CO₂ annually into reservoirs, while simultaneously increasing natural gas output.

One notable example from North America involves the sustained injection of approximately 1.8 million tonnes of CO₂ per year over more than a decade, resulting in an additional 12–18% recovery of natural gas from targeted wells. Importantly, post-injection reservoir monitoring—using advanced seismic and tracer technologies—has confirmed net CO₂ storage efficiencies exceeding 95% of the injected volume, directly supporting emission reduction targets. These projects demonstrate how CO₂ can be utilised as a resource for enhanced energy production while being permanently stored.

Another compelling case can be observed in offshore depleted gas fields, particularly in the North Sea, where CCUS-EGR projects are designed both for gas recovery and large-scale CO₂ storage. These initiatives leverage existing infrastructure and extensive geological knowledge. For example, a European consortium project successfully injected over 700,000 tonnes of CO₂ into a depleted offshore gas field, achieving certified net CO₂ storage. Comprehensive monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems—including downhole pressure monitoring, fluid sampling, and 4D seismic surveys—have confirmed the long-term containment of CO₂.

In Indonesia, a notable CCUS-EGR implementation is underway in the Vormata Field, part of the Tangguh LNG project. The injected CO₂ is projected to increase gas production by approximately 300 BSCF by 2025 and up to 500 BSCF by 2045. By 2035, the project is expected to store up to 30 million tonnes of CO₂ from the Tangguh LNG plant and other industrial sources.

However, despite its potential, CCUS-EGR still faces several challenges across technical, economic, regulatory, and social dimensions. From a technical perspective, ensuring reservoir suitability for both CO₂ injectivity and long-term storage stability—while maximising gas recovery—remains complex. Geological heterogeneity and fault systems require advanced subsurface characterisation using seismic imaging and sophisticated reservoir simulation models to predict CO₂ plume migration and ensure storage integrity. Optimising CO₂ injection rates without compromising reservoir stability requires continuous monitoring and adaptive management. Additionally, the need for high-purity CO₂ often necessitates pre-treatment, increasing complexity and cost.

Economically, CCUS-EGR projects are highly capital-intensive. The development of CO₂ capture facilities, compression stations, and pipeline networks often requires multi-billion-pound investments. Operational costs, including energy for compression and ongoing monitoring, further increase the cost per tonne of CO₂ stored. Addressing these challenges typically requires strong government support, including tax incentives, subsidies, and stable carbon pricing mechanisms. Without predictable revenue streams, securing private investment remains difficult.

Regulatory and policy frameworks also present challenges. The lack of harmonised regulations across jurisdictions creates uncertainty for investors and operators. Key issues include long-term liability for CO₂ storage, complex permitting processes, and subsurface property rights. Many countries are still developing CCUS-specific regulations, leading to delays and increased risk. Clear policy frameworks are essential to ensure that both enhanced gas recovery and verified CO₂ storage are appropriately recognised and incentivised.

Finally, gaining public acceptance is critical. Concerns about CO₂ leakage, induced seismicity, and environmental impacts can hinder project development. Addressing these concerns requires transparent communication, strong stakeholder engagement, and a demonstrated commitment to safety. Robust MRV systems are essential not only for compliance but also for building public trust by ensuring the long-term security of CO₂ storage.

To enhance understanding of CCUS-EGR principles, existing CCUS legislation, monitoring techniques for CO₂ plume behaviour and reservoir integrity, reporting protocols, and independent verification and certification standards, the CAN Secretariat will host a knowledge-sharing conference to address these issues.