Applying Exploration Common Process to Site Selection for Geologic Carbon Storage Complexes

Abstract

The secure geological storage of carbon dioxide is widely regarded as being a necessary contribution to the global emissions reductions needed if temperature change is to be limited to the 2 degrees Celsius target set out in the Paris Agreement. While global screening studies have suggested there is ample pore space available worldwide to sequester carbon on the gigatonne scale necessary, one of the challenges with the widespread deployment of geologic carbon storage is the identification of suitable locations for storage at the project-scale. The tools and techniques for hydrocarbon exploration have been refined over the years to define a relatively universal methodology that can be followed to appropriately assess the risk and uncertainties inherent in identifying, high-grading and maturing prospects to the drill-ready stage. In contrast, the process for identifying an attractive carbon storage complex is not as well defined, although many of the tools and techniques from hydrocarbon exploration can be repurposed to evaluate whether an area is prospective for the long-term subsurface containment of carbon dioxide. We propose the elements necessary for an economic geologic carbon storage complex must include consideration of: Carbon dioxide source, proximity, long-term availability; Trap integrity, top seal continuity (natural and anthropogenic), permeability and fracture gradient, lateral sealing elements, neotectonic environment; Reservoir connected pore space volume, injectivity, pressure, salinity, temperature; Monitorability, ease of collecting baseline and future data to assess plume migration and ensure secure storage. In this presentation we will review these elements and propose a framework for the subsurface characterization necessary to develop a portfolio of attractive, drill-ready prospects.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90350 © 2019 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, May 19-22, 2019