ISO 27916:2026

Overview

ISO 27916:2026 provides internationally recognized requirements for the quantification and verification of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage using enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR). This standard is part of the ISO 27910 series, which addresses carbon dioxide capture, transportation, and storage (CCS). Specifically, ISO 27916:2026 ensures that sites used for CO2-EOR operations can demonstrate safe, long-term containment of injected CO2 and outlines methods to quantify the amount of CO2 stored as part of these projects.

This standard is applicable to facilities injecting CO2 to recover hydrocarbons (oil or natural gas) where the safe, long-term storage of CO2 is to be quantified. The approach also recognizes projects using both anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic CO2, offering methods for calculating the storage attributable to each source.

Key Topics

ISO 27916:2026 covers several critical topics related to CO2-EOR and associated storage:

• Site Characterization and Qualification
  • Geologic evaluation of the EOR complex
  • Adequacy of containment structures and reservoir properties
• Documentation and Reporting
  • Initial and ongoing data requirements
  • Quantification methodology and periodic reporting
  • Recordkeeping, data gaps, and verification procedures
• Containment Assurance and Monitoring
  • Initial and operational containment plans
  • Monitoring of injected CO2 movement, pressures, and leakage pathways
• Well Construction and Abandonment
  • Standards for new wells, well intervention, and abandonment to prevent unintended CO2 release
  • Evaluation of existing and abandoned wells
• CO2 Quantification and Verification
  • Calculation of input volumes, losses, and allocation ratios for anthropogenic CO2
  • Principle for avoidance of double counting
  • Verification and validation requirements
• Project Lifecycles
  • Criteria for project termination
  • Assurance of post-termination containment

Applications

Adherence to ISO 27916:2026 provides practical value to operators, regulators, and stakeholders involved in CO2-EOR and CCS projects:

• Operational Excellence
  • Enables the development of robust management plans ensuring the safe handling and containment of CO2 throughout the EOR process.
• Regulatory Compliance
  • Facilitates alignment with local, national, and international regulations on greenhouse gas management and reporting.
• Environmental Responsibility
  • Supports transparent verification of climate benefits by quantifying the secure storage of CO2, contributing to emissions reduction goals.
• Commercial Activity
  • Allows operators to credibly certify stored CO2 quantities, supporting carbon credit schemes, emissions trading systems, and corporate sustainability claims.
• Risk Mitigation
  • Requires detection and management of all potential CO2 leakage pathways, reducing the risk of environmental impact.

Related Standards

Organizations implementing ISO 27916:2026 should also consider related international standards for a comprehensive CO2 management framework:

• ISO 27914: Carbon dioxide capture, transportation, and geological storage - Geologic storage of CO2
• ISO 14064-1, -2, and -3: Greenhouse gases - Requirements and guidance for the quantification, reporting, and verification of GHG emissions and removals
• ISO 27910 Series: Covers additional aspects of CCS including transportation and storage beyond the scope of EOR

Conclusion

ISO 27916:2026 is a pivotal standard for organizations engaged in CO2 enhanced oil recovery and long-term geological storage. It provides reliable methodologies for demonstrating safe storage, conducting accurate quantification, and meeting international climate reporting obligations. Adopting ISO 27916:2026 helps advance the responsible use of CO2-EOR as a climate mitigation technology within the global energy sector.