CO2 Data Share: A Platform for Sharing CO2 Storage Reference Datasets from Demonstration Projects

Abstract

Extensive research is ongoing worldwide to build competence and to develop cost-efficient technologies for safe injection and subsurface storage of CO2. Currently, the full potential of academic research is not realized due to limited access to reference datasets from field-scale and industry-scale CO2 storage projects. While synthetic data and simplified geometries are useful for proof-of-concept studies and simple estimates, data from actual CO2 storage operations remain invaluable to guide practical research, validate assumptions and provide new insights. Major investments in pilot, demonstration and industry-scale projects over the years have resulted in a range of reference datasets, which should play an important role for building confidence in CO2 storage as a greenhouse gas control strategy. However, significant barriers exist for dissemination and use of such datasets among a larger scientific audience, including lack of awareness, technical, licensing and quality issues, cost and documentation requirements. The CO2 DataShare project is dedicated to address these challenges by establishing an international database and online distribution system for curated, quality reference datasets collected from past and on-going CO2 storage projects. Through the financial support from US Department of Energy and the Norwegian CLIMIT programme, a pilot for sharing reference datasets is planned to be available for the CCS community during 2019. In the present paper, we describe the approach undertaken to establish a robust data dissemination solution based on identified needs and requirements of data users and data providers. A key component is a data documentation system that ensure that assumptions and inherent limitations of a given dataset are made clear to the users, while limiting the burden on data providers. It is important to note that work on the CO2 DataShare solution is still ongoing, and information given in the article should be considered preliminary.