Carbon Capture and Storage in Depleted Oil and Gas Reservoirs: The Viewpoint of Wellbore Injectivity

Abstract

Recently, there has been a growing interest in utilizing depleted gas and oil reservoirs for carbon capture and storage. This interest arises from the fact that numerous reservoirs have either been depleted or necessitate enhanced oil and gas recovery (EOR/EGR). The sequestration of CO2 in subsurface repositories emerges as a highly effective approach for achieving carbon neutrality. This process serves a dual purpose by facilitating EOR/EGR, thereby aiding in the retrieval of residual oil and gas, and concurrently ensuring the secure and permanent storage of CO2 without the risk of leakage. Injectivity is defined as the fluid’s ability to be introduced into the reservoir without causing rock fracturing. This research aimed to fill the gap in carbon capture and storage (CCS) literature by examining the limited consideration of injectivity, specifically in depleted underground reservoirs. It reviewed critical factors that impact the injectivity of CO2 and also some field case data in such reservoirs.