Reservoir Simulation of CO2 Sequestration in Shale Reservoir

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Abstract Increased production in natural gas from shale reservoirs has sparked concern that greenhouse gas emissions have also been on the rise. As a result, large- and small-scale operators and service companies are enthusiastically supporting a push toward "net carbon zero emissions". Carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) is playing an impactful role in companies’ goals to reach net zero. CO2 sequestration is the process of capturing and storing CO2 emissions from industrial and energy-related sources. Most CO2 sequestration are recommended to locate in saline aquifer, coalbed zone and depleted reservoirs, while CO2 sequestration in shale reservoir could become another good option to minimize the environmental footprint and enhance the gas production. Similar as CO2 sequestration into coalbed methane reservoir, the fluid flow mechanism in shale also includes desorption, diffusion and Darcy's law. In this paper, the effects of CO2 sequestration on shale reservoirs will be discussed from a technical and economical viewpoint. A reservoir simulation was used to evaluate the quantity of CO2 that can be stored in shale, the effects of CO2 mitigation when injected into shale, and any significant opportunities for CO2 enhanced shale gas recovery. Lastly, an economic analysis was performed to evaluate the economic efficiency of such projects in shales.