Numerical Simulations of Carbon Dioxide Storage in Selected Geological Structures in North-Western Poland

Tomasz Urych,Adam Smoliński,Jarosław Chećko,Małgorzata Magdziarczyk

doi:10.3389/fenrg.2022.827794

Tomasz Urych, Adam Smoliński + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2022.827794

Copy DOI

Abstract

In this study, dynamic simulation models of CO2 injection into saline aquifers of the Choszczno-Suliszewo structure located in north-western Poland were constructed for two scenarios with different injection rates. The injection rates of 1 Mt CO2/year and 2 Mt CO2/year were analysed for each of the injection wells. Changes in pressures, characteristic for the sequestration process, were analysed; in addition, the spatial distribution of free CO2 saturation in the structure and carbon dioxide dissolved in brine were presented in a graphical form. The observation time of changes occurring in the rock mass in the interval of up to 1,000 years after the completion of injection was assumed. During the modelling of CO2 sequestration in Lower Jurassic aquifers in the Suliszewo model, the previously assumed CO2 injection rates were achieved for both injection scenarios. The observed pressure increase does not pose any threat to the Suliszewo structure tightness. The sequestration process was found to be highly effective due to the phenomenon of the dissolution of CO2 in brine and the resulting convection motion of brine enriched with carbon dioxide. Consequently, there is an increase in CO2 storage capacity and permanent long-term trapping of the injected carbon dioxide. The process of the displacement of injected CO2 from the collector layers to the layers constituting the reservoir sealing was observed. This phenomenon takes place in the upper parts of the Choszczno structure and is caused mainly by the locally occurring worse technical parameters of seal layers in this area.

Highlights

In recent years, we have been observing numerous international efforts to tackle the climate crisis constituting one of the greatest challenges of our times
In the course of CO2 injection simulations for Scenario no. 1, a constant daily injection rate of about 1,449 667 sm3/d was maintained in the Suliszewo model, which corresponds to a total quantity of injected CO2 equal to 25 Mt of CO2
The results of CO2 injection simulations for Scenario no. 2 in the Suliszewo model show a constant daily injection rate of about 2,899 334 sm3/d, which corresponds to a total amount of injected CO2 equal to 50 Mt

Summary

Introduction

We have been observing numerous international efforts to tackle the climate crisis constituting one of the greatest challenges of our times. The gap between rhetoric and action needs to close if we are to stand a chance of achieving net zero by 2050 and limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C. This challenge requires a total transformation of the energy systems that underpin the economies. We are at the beginning of a critical decade for these efforts. The 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in November 2021 was the focal point for strengthening global

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion