SAFETY ISSUES WHEN MONITORING CO2 STORAGE IN THE PRINOS AREA, GREECE

Abstract

Geological storage of CO2 in geological structures in the subsurface can mitigate global warming. A safe storage of CO2 can be ensured through the development of comprehensive monitoring programs that prevent any possible leakage of CO2. This paper presents various monitoring strategies of CO2 subsurface movement in the Prinos reservoir, northern Greece, the results of a simulation of a CO2 leak through a well, and an environmental risk assessment study related to the leakage of CO2 or oil from the seafloor. After only 13.7 years, from the beginning of injection, the CO2 leak reaches the seabed in the form of gas. For the assessment we set up a model, using ArcGIS software, based on the use of data regarding the speeds of the winds and currents encountered in the region. Assumptions were also made related to the flow rate of CO2. Modeling results show that it only takes a period of 10 days from the start of oil leakage until the “Natura” protected areas start to be affected. CO2 leakage modelling results show CO2 to be initially flowing along a preferential flow direction, which is towards NE. However, 5 days after the start of leakage of CO2, it is also flowing towards ENE. The consequences of a potential CO2 leak are considered spatially limited and the ecosystem is capable of recovering by itself.