SPE-SA July 2026 Technical Luncheon

Thursday 30th July, 2026

Ayers House, 288 Nth Terrace

From 12:30pm for 12:30pm start

$50 Members

$20 Students

$75 Non-Members

Lunch and drinks provided

RSVP by COB 38th July

Diego Vazquez Anzola

Abstract:

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has historically faced challenges in achieving commercial-scale success across various regions globally. The conversation often circles back to pervasive beliefs regarding CCS, namely the assertion that it is excessively risky and costly. This presentation highlights a range of successful global CCS projects and the diverse business strategies they employ, some of which operate independently of governmental subsidies or carbon pricing. The adequate and proportionate understanding of the role of Geological CO2 Storage Regulations and Technical Standards is highlighted, as they are frequently perceived as the primary enablers of the CCS industry. This lecture will explore the crucial importance of selecting suitable geological sites for CO2 storage. It will also address operational challenges in managing fluids with unique thermodynamic properties and examine how existing legacy wells, whether repurposed or not, can affect the risk and cost aspects of CO2 storage projects. Adequate site selection, operational considerations and the impact of legacy wells are essential aspects associated with successful implementation of CCS at scale. Furthermore, the discussion concludes with reflections on Value generation beyond direct economic revenue, highlighting scalability and maturation time as key performance indicators for CO2 storage projects.

 Speaker Bio:

With two decades of energy sector experience, Diego has worked on diverse projects, from hydrocarbon exploration to carbon capture and storage (CCS) and sustainable energy solutions. Diego’s portfolio includes significant involvement in prominent commercial CCS projects like Northern Lights (Norway), Aramis and Porthos (Netherlands), Endurance (UK), Gorgon (Australia), Prinos (Greece), Lang-Lebah (Malaysia), and Arthit (Thailand). Diego specializes in translating CO2 storage regulations into detailed operational plans. Diego’s consulting company collaborates with organizations like Halliburton or SLB, and he is an Advisory Board Member for a New York-listed startup focused on optimizing CC(U)S costs.