Pioneering Cloud-Based Solutions for Carbon Capture: SLB, Northern Lights, and Microsoft’s Strategic Collaboration

SLB and the Northern Lights Joint Venture (NL) have entered into a strategic agreement with Microsoft, encapsulated in a memorandum of understanding (MoU), to enhance cloud-based operational workflows for Northern Lights. This venture stands as one of the initial cross-border carbon capture and storage (CCS) service providers.

The partnership aims to foster the growth of scalable, cost-effective digital technologies within the burgeoning CCS sector. In the early stages of this partnership, SLB will expand its digital CCS workflows and advanced simulation systems on its Delfi digital platform. This platform was previously implemented in 2022 to optimize subsurface workflows for Northern Lights. To support this initiative, Microsoft will enhance its Microsoft Azure platform, providing robust, scalable cloud services. These services are crucial for supporting Northern Lights’ operations and SLB’s digital CCS workflows. A significant aspect of this collaboration involves SLB and Microsoft working together to develop an Azure-compatible, open-source data platform. This platform is envisioned to be the cornerstone of the digital infrastructure for Northern Lights.

The Northern Lights Joint Venture, a collaborative effort by Equinor, TotalEnergies, and Shell, was established with the goal of expediting the decarbonization process in various industries. Progressing as planned, the development of their transport and storage facilities is on track, positioning Northern Lights to start accepting and storing CO2 from industrial sources by 2024.