Tracerco spearheads tracer technology in first U.S. carbon capture and storage (CCS) project
Tracerco, a pioneer in industrial tracer technology and reservoir diagnostics, has deployed its proprietary chemical tracer technology in support of a U.S.-based carbon capture and storage (CCS) project for the first time.
This milestone marks a significant expansion of Tracerco’s carbon authentication capabilities, enabling the tracking, monitoring, and long-term independent verification of CO₂ containment in CCS projects.
Tracers, alongside other complementary measurement, monitoring and verification (MRV) technologies that are part of Tracerco’s solutions portfolio, enable operators to tackle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the application of CCS, permitting safe and permanent underground CO2 storage.
Applying > 65 yrs of experience and world-leading innovation in the use of tracer technology in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), Tracerco has developed a family of unique chemical tracers that provide conclusive early warning of presence of CO₂ should it be detected by various detection methods. Additionally, and due to its inherent application, tracer technology provides measurable evidence, crucial to quantifying any potential leaks.
Unlike other technologies, Tracerco’s tracers deliver leak detection down to parts-per-trillion sensitivity, map CO₂ migration patterns through strategic sampling, and fingerprint the CO₂ to distinguish between naturally occurring, recycled and newly injected sources. This non-intrusive approach ensures continuous injection, without the need to disrupt operations, leading to greater and faster capture of 45Q tax credits.
Fredrick Tyler, Sales Executive – Carbon Authentication for Tracerco, explains: “Chemical tracers give operators a powerful way to complement traditional monitoring in CO₂ storage projects. These tracers can detect CO₂ in water and gas at ultra-low concentrations, providing the earliest possible leak detection with scientific accuracy. We are proud that this project marks the first time our tracer technology has been deployed in a U.S. carbon capture and storage project, setting a benchmark for future deployments.
“From an operations perspective, more operators are now building tracers into their MRV plans to create an independent source of truth that bridges interpretive data with actual sample results. This verifies seal integrity over the life of the project, independently of the challenges generally found through seismic interpretation. From a risk management standpoint, tracers add a critical layer of protection by offering undeniable evidence of containment and plume migration in Class II EOR sequestration projects.
“With decades of global tracer experience, we’ve helped customers unlock reservoir insights without unnecessary costs, downtime, or disruption. Our ongoing innovation ensures we continue to deliver new solutions that not only meet customer needs but also set the standard for transparency for stakeholders, shareholders, and the local community.”
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