CO2 geological storage in the Surat Basin

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) storage is a vital part of the energy transition to low emissions. The Jurassic age Precipice Sandstone of the Surat Basin in Queensland, Australia, has been investigated as a suitable reservoir for CO2 storage. The overlying Evergreen Formation is a thick, interbedded mudstone and sandstone seal, and regarded a regional aquitard. Wells have been drilled for feasibility studies, initially in CTSCo’s Glenhaven region, near Wandoan, and recently in the southern Surat Basin near the town of Moonie. Since the Precipice Sandstone is also a Great Artesian Basin aquifer, the southern region with deeper groundwater unsuitable for stock use, and minimal to stagnant flow, is likely a more suitable site. The University of Queensland has undertaken research in both potential storage regions, and more broadly across the basin, including the separate Moonie oil field. This presentation will focus on core characterisation, experimental and modelled geochemical CO2-water-rock reactions and their impacts on water quality, porosity and permeability, and the effects of gas stream impurities SOx, NOx and O2. In addition, it may touch on field studies to assess existing hydrochemistry, water quality and native greenhouse gases in the Precipice Sandstone, and in the Hutton Sandstone that overlies the Evergreen Formation.