Carbon Storage Potential of Shale Reservoirs Based on CO2 Fracturing Technology

Abstract

The development of shale reservoirs is important in ensuring China’s national energy security by achieving energy independence. Among the key technologies for shale oil production, CO2 fracturing is an effective method that can not only enhance oil recovery but also promote large amounts of CO2 storage, thereby supporting China’s goals of achieving a carbon peak and carbon neutrality. This research paper aims to study the impacts and prospective applications of CO2 fracturing in shale reservoirs, using real exploitation parameters from the GYYP1 well in the Songliao Basin. By utilizing numerical simulation, the dynamics of CO2 production are analyzed. Adsorption and diffusion are identified as pivotal mechanisms for CO2 storage in shale reservoirs. After the analysis of the fracturing process, approximately 22.13% of CO2 is found to be adsorbed, which decreases to 11.06% after ten years due to pressure decline. Diffusion increases the volume of CO2 interacting with a greater extent of shale, thereby enhancing the adsorption mechanism. Over time, the diffusion process results in a remarkable increase of 26.02% in CO2 adsorption, ensuring the long-term and stable storage of CO2 within the shale reservoir. This investigation delves into the contribution of these two crucial mechanisms of CO2 storage in shale reservoirs, ultimately predicting that, by 2030, approximately two million tons of CO2 can be effectively stored in the Daqing Oilfield through CO2 fracturing in shale oil reservoirs. Such an achievement will undoubtedly contribute to the sustainable development of the energy sector and foster the transformation and upgrading of China’s energy structure.