International Workshop on Carbon Storage Technologies
On November 4th, 2025, the Petroleum and Mining Engineering Department at Tishk International University, in collaboration with the SPE TIU Student Chapter and the SPE Northern Iraq Section, successfully hosted an international workshop as part of the SPE Distinguished Lecturer Program. Titled “Carbon Storage Risks and Costs: Busting Perceptions and Myths,” the workshop was presented by Mr. Diego A. Vazquez Anzola, Managing Director of Asia Pacific Energy Evolution (APES), a decarbonization consultancy based in Australia.
Expert Insights from Global CCS Projects
Mr. Vazquez Anzola, a distinguished expert with over 20 years of energy sector experience, shared valuable insights from his work on major global carbon capture and storage projects including Northern Lights (Norway), Aramis and Porthos (Netherlands), Endurance (UK), and Gorgon (Australia). His presentation addressed common CCS misconceptions, highlighted successful case studies, and emphasized critical factors for large-scale CCS success.
Workshop Structure and Technical Content
Held at TIU Main Campus, Education Building, Hall 302, starting at 10:00 a.m., the presentation covered several key technical and strategic areas:
Core Presentation Topics:
Perceptions versus realities of carbon storage risks and costs
Successful global CCS project examples and diverse business models
Geological CO₂ storage regulations and technical standards
Selection criteria for suitable geological storage sites
Operational challenges involving fluids with unique thermodynamic properties
Impact of legacy wells on project risk and cost assessment
Value creation opportunities beyond direct economic revenue
Scalability and maturation time as key performance indicators
Distinguished Attendance and Institutional Participation
The event was honored by the presence of prominent university leadership and industry representatives:
University Leadership:
Prof. Dr. Idris Hadi, Head of the Board of Trustees
Dr. Sultan Abu-Orabi, President of TIU
Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Özdemir, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dean and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Engineering
Prof. Dr. Fadhil Ali, Head of the Petroleum and Mining Engineering Department
Department Heads, lecturers, and students from various engineering programs
Industry Representation:
Officers from the SPE Northern Iraq Section strengthening academic-industry collaboration
Program Structure and Additional Presentations
Following the first technical session, attendees enjoyed a coffee break and networking opportunity. Subsequently, Ms. Srwa Salam, Young Professional Chairperson at SPE Northern Iraq Section, delivered a presentation highlighting the section’s recent achievements and ongoing activities.
The second session continued with Mr. Vazquez Anzola providing additional technical and operational insights into carbon storage project implementation and management.
Closing Ceremony and Appreciation
During the closing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Fadhil Ali expressed sincere appreciation to the distinguished lecturer for his commitment and extensive travel from Australia to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to deliver this valuable workshop. He also extended gratitude to the SPE Northern Iraq Section and SPE-TIU Student Chapter for their active role in organizing impactful academic-industry events that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical industry applications.
This successful event reinforced TIU’s position as a regional hub for advanced energy discussions and technical knowledge exchange in the critical field of carbon capture and storage technologies.
Keywords: SPE Distinguished Lecture, Carbon Capture and Storage, Petroleum Engineering, Decarbonization, Industry Workshop, Academic-Industry Collaboration, Climate Technology, Energy Transition
