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North Sea Oil Field Repurposed for Greenhouse Gas Storage
Off Denmark’s coastline, a significant undertaking is in progress, involving the injection of carbon dioxide into a depleted oil field located hundreds of miles out at sea.
As the helicopter approaches the platform, the pilot's voice comes over the intercom, "Prepare for an offshore landing," before touching down on a rig situated 250km (155 miles) off Denmark's west coast.

The helicopter had previously flown over Nini, a nearby oil rig located in the choppy waters of the North Sea, before heading to its current destination.
The Nini rig is positioned above an oil field that is nearing depletion, but it is slated to be repurposed as a large-scale carbon storage project known as Greensand Future.
Plans are underway to inject thousands of tonnes of CO2, a potent greenhouse gas, into the depleted oil field as part of the project.
After landing, we board the Siri platform, a larger "mother platform" that serves as a control center and is staffed by offshore workers.
Mads Gade, the CEO of Ineos Energy, points out the massive pipes at the wellhead, which have been used to extract oil and gas from beneath the seabed for decades.
Gade explains that instead of extracting oil and gas, the plan is to utilize the existing infrastructure to inject CO2 into the ground, effectively reversing the process.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology involves capturing CO2 emissions and storing them permanently, preventing them from entering the atmosphere.

The Greensand Future project, which is being led by a consortium that includes the British multinational chemicals company Ineos, is poised to become the EU's first large-scale offshore CO2 storage site when commercial operations commence in the coming months.
According to the company, the project aims to store approximately 400,000 tonnes of CO2 in the first year, with the potential to increase to eight million tonnes annually by 2030.
Gade notes that this amount is equivalent to nearly 40% of Denmark's emission reduction target, making it a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Both the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have emphasized the importance of CCS technology in limiting global warming, in addition to reducing emissions.
The EU has also stated that CCS is necessary to achieve its goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
However, some critics argue that relying on CCS technology could detract from efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in the first place.
Additionally, CCS is a costly technology, and some environmental groups argue that emission reductions can be achieved at a lower cost using existing technologies such as wind power, solar energy, and electric vehicles.
Helene Hagel, the head of climate and environmental policy at Greenpeace Denmark, states that while she supports the use of CCS in certain sectors where emissions are difficult to reduce, she is cautious about its broader application.
Hagel believes that CCS may not be the best solution in all cases, and that its use should be carefully evaluated.
She also raises concerns that using the seabed for carbon storage could create problems for future generations.
Hagel argues that if the current generation uses the seabed to store carbon emissions that should have been avoided in the first place, it may limit the ability of future generations to store their own emissions.
Globally, hundreds of CCS initiatives are currently underway or in development, as countries seek to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

In Europe, several large-scale CCS projects are advancing in the North Sea region, particularly in Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the UK.
Norway's Northern Lights project, which was launched last August, has begun storing CO2 under the seabed off the coast of Bergen, marking a significant milestone in the development of commercial carbon storage services.
In the UK, several carbon capture clusters are being developed, including the Acorn Project in Scotland and the Viking project off the coast of Lincolnshire.
According to Niels Schovsbo, a senior researcher at the Geological Survey of Greenland and Denmark (GEUS), the North Sea is emerging as a hub for CCS due to its legacy of oil and gas production, which has provided a thorough understanding of the geology of potential storage sites.
The region's existing offshore infrastructure and technical expertise are also major advantages, making it an attractive location for companies like Ineos to establish CCS operations.
Gade notes that the Nini rig is nearing the end of its operational life, but instead of decommissioning it, the plan is to repurpose the facilities and utilize the existing skills and competencies to support the CCS project.
By reusing the existing infrastructure, the company can reduce costs and minimize the environmental impact of the project.
In a large warehouse on the outskirts of Copenhagen, cases of rock samples are stored, providing valuable insights into the geology of the North Sea.

Schovsbo opens a box containing a grainy green rock sample drilled from the seafloor, which he uses to explain the suitability of the area for CO2 storage.
The rock in this region of the North Sea has a high porosity, with numerous small cavities that can hold CO2, making it an ideal location for carbon storage.
A thick layer of clay or cap rock will trap the CO2, preventing it from escaping, just as it has trapped oil and gas for millions of years, Schovsbo explains.
He notes that the same sealing mechanism that has kept oil and gas trapped for so long can be used to store CO2, providing a safe and effective means of carbon storage.
According to Schovsbo, the amount of CO2 that can be stored in the rock is comparable to the volume of oil and gas that has been extracted, suggesting that CCS sites could have an operational lifespan of 10 to 30 years.
For the many offshore workers in the region, the transition to carbon storage offers new opportunities and a chance to adapt their skills to a changing industry.
Peter Bjerre, a maintenance manager, notes that the work involved in maintaining turbines and gas compressors will shift to maintaining high-pressure pumps used to inject CO2 into the storage sites.
Bjerre, who is from Esbjerg, reflects on the changes he has seen in the region, from the fishing industry to oil and gas, and now to the green transition.
He expresses his amazement at the prospect of a new future emerging in the region, driven by the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly industry.
News
Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role
Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.
Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.
Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.
Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.
As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.
Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.
Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.
According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.
Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.
Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.
Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.
Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.
The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.
Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.
Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.
Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.
Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.
If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.
News
Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years
Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.
It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.
The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.
During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.
Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.
BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.
It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.
The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.
Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.
Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.
The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.
A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.
The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.
It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.
The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.
Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.
Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.
News
Bangladesh Nationalist Party Wins Landslide in Country’s First Poll Since Youth-Led Protests
The public is looking forward to a shift back to democratic governance, following a 15-year period of authoritarian leadership by Sheikh Hasina.
In a significant shift in the country's political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a decisive majority in parliament, 18 months after widespread protests led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving prime minister.

The BNP secured over two-thirds of the seats in the recent general election, with the Jamaat party, the main Islamist party in the country, coming in second; meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Hasina, was not allowed to participate in the election.
As the BNP's leader, Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister, facing significant challenges in revitalizing the economy and restoring democratic principles after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Hasina's leadership.
In a concurrent referendum, voters also expressed support for comprehensive democratic reforms, which are expected to shape the country's future.
Following Friday prayers in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "I am grateful for the love you have shown me"; his party has chosen not to hold a victory procession.
Rahman, who was elected to parliament for the first time, was among the 212 successful BNP candidates; according to the Election Commission, voter turnout was 59.44%.
This marks a significant turnaround for Rahman, who spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London before taking over as party leader after his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away in December.
During his campaign, Rahman pledged to restore democratic principles and practices in the country.
The new government will need to address pressing issues, including economic revitalization, controlling rising food prices, and creating employment opportunities for the country's large youth population.
Rebuilding relations with neighboring India is also a key priority for the incoming government.
In the aftermath of his victory, Rahman received a congratulatory call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged his "remarkable victory".
Modi took to social media to reaffirm India's commitment to promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in both countries, citing their deep historical and cultural ties.
Although the BNP has pledged to bring about change, the party has faced criticism in the past for corruption and alleged human rights abuses during its previous tenure in government in the early 2000s.
The recent election represents a pivotal moment for the country, with one of the two main parties achieving a significant victory, presenting both opportunities and risks.
Proposed constitutional reforms include introducing term limits for the prime minister, establishing a directly elected upper house of parliament, strengthening presidential powers, and increasing judicial independence.
The reforms also aim to increase female representation in parliament, an area where significant progress is still needed, as evidenced by the limited number of successful female candidates in the recent election.
As the newly elected leader, Tarique Rahman will face intense scrutiny as he works to deliver on his promises to a predominantly young electorate eager for change, many of whom participated in the student-led protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal and paved the way for the February 12 election.
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