Development of the First Co2 Storage Pilot Test for Ccs Capacity Building in South Africa – Phase I Experience

Abstract

The development of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage options in South Africa is a high priority due to the country’s heavy reliance on coal as a primary energy source. The primary goal of the South African Pilot Carbon Storage Project (PCSP) is to carry out a smallscale CO2 injection, storage, and monitoring project that includes injection of 10,000 to 50,000 metric tons (MT) over a 2-year period, with monitoring activities to extend beyond injection. Battelle is providing the Project Technical Advisory Services (PTAS1) for the project, with the Phase I goal of developing the project management framework, identification of pilot test sites within the previously selected sedimentary basin (geologically termed the Zululand Basin), and screening for CO2 storage potential. The comprehensive analysis of all the existing data indicated critical data gaps. The data acquisition plan developed under PTAS1, which will be carried out in PTAS Phase 2 (PTAS2) will fill critical data gaps prior to the selection of a candidate well site for the PCSP.