Carbon Capture and Storage in Brazil and Systematic Review of Criteria for Prospecting Potential Areas

Abstract

Abstract This work aims to present the current scenario of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Brazil and fundamental criteria for prospecting potential areas. It reviews and applies the existing scientific literature used worldwide for CCS projects. By integrating information, we expect to provide comprehensive insights into CCS in Brazil and outline methods and criteria for screening and select areas in Brazilian sedimentary basins. This work is based on applied research methodologies. A survey was conducted to examine the current Brazilian context, including the potential sectors for CCS in the country and ongoing developments. Additionally, several previous works on projects worldwide were reviewed to formulate criteria for assessing the prospectivity of CO2 storage areas, which can be applied at scale. By combining Brazil's current status and CCS methodological references, we integrated information to propose an applicable site screening and selection criteria for Brazil. Furthermore, we elucidated some of the potential and challenges that the country faces. In Brazil, energy and industry are the principal sectors for decarbonization with CCS, including the oil and gas sector, bioenergy, thermal power plants, refineries, and steel, cement and chemical industries. Ongoing research is focused on specific storage sites and other CCS technologies. Currently, Brazil's CO2-EOR in the Pre-salt fields is globally recognized. Research is also being conducted on saline aquifers in the Paraná Basin to use CCS with bioenergy (BECCS). Additionally, there is a pilot project under development in the Parecis Basin. Despite these advancements, there have been no few approaches concerning methodologies and criteria for prospecting areas for permanent storage in Brazil. In this study, we propose a methodology for selecting and developing qualified CCS sites, which involves regional analysis, site screening, site selection, and site characterization. Considering Brazil's early stages in CCS implementation, we have provided a list of screening and selection criteria applicable to the country. The expertise and legacy of the oil and gas industry play a crucial role in advancing CCS in Brazil, alongside the intensified national potential through BECCS. In order to progress, the country needs to address necessities such as data availability, policies, the carbon market, and regulations. This work presents an innovative element to organize and structure key elements to allow a national scale analysis to explore future opportunities for CCS in Brazil. Due to the absence of previous national studies, an unprecedented overview of applicable criteria was provided to prospect potential regions for CCS projects in the country.