Geological sequestration of CO2Â in a spin e aquifer is a serious undertaking, similar to upstream/downstream energy capital projects. It is a stage gated process; requiring focused decisions and corresponding resources at each stage.Â
KEY INSIGHTS & LEARNINGS
- Need to establish stage-gated process that looks at types of data (geological, site, social & regulatory data)
- At earliest stage, there is a little or no data hence risk is high, bit with subsequent data risk is reduced
- The level  and details of analysis increase as more and more data is available
- Stage gated process starts with "site screening" of large basins and areas for CO2 injection ending in "selected areas."
- "Selected areas" are further de-risked as more data becomes available and acquired and ends up as "Potential Sites"
- "Potential sites," undergo detailed geological characterization with in depth site , social and regulatory data and become "Qualified sites.'
- "Site Screening" is a critical first step that focuses on storage formation; screening essentially the storage formation for
- Adequate depth to be away from underground drinking water aquifers and achieve super critical condition for injection usually below 800 meters
- Ensure that basic seismic data clearly confirms the confining zone or seal so no CO2 leaks
- Has suitable reservoir characteristics (porosity, Net-to-gross, thickness, area and saturation) to adequate;ly store commercial CO2 volumesÂ
- No detailed modeling is done at this stage
- Site screening is limited to regional/proxmal areas
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