Ranking and Evaluation of CO2 Storage Sites Using an Advanced Workflow

Abstract

The world is in urgent need of carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites/facilities to achieve ambitious net carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reduction goals. After CO2 capture and transport, storage is the third step of the CO2 journey. Accessing and utilizing regional seismic information is a significant part of any workflow attempting to identify and characterize proposed subsurface CO2 storage sites. In this paper, we have developed and implemented a workflow over a proof-of-concept (PoC) area to assess CCS storage capacity and containment at a candidate saline aquifer site. Injectivity and monitoring/monitorability are assessed as part of an extended workflow. The integrated PoC CCS site assessment workflow allows validation of the various workflow elements and technologies, with the view to creating an efficient and scalable tool for regional site identification and characterization. The current project has been established using a PGS regional multi-client broadband seismic dataset in the North Sea which comprises an extensive cross-border regional dataset in the UK and Norway. The broadband nature of the seismic data allows significant and efficient site assessment, by providing detailed 3D characterization of the subsurface, away from areas with well control, and the parameterization of more accurate/reliable attributes for key storage attributes such as net-to-gross, porosity, and thickness. Finally, the integrated workflow and data integration allowed us to perform an efficient carbon storage site risk assessment as part of an overall site ranking process.