Special Feature

SEG DISC: Storage of Carbon Dioxide in Saline Aquifers – Building confidence by forecasting and monitoring


Monday, 28 August

8:00 am–4:00 pm

Marriott Marquis Houston, Chambers Room

Interest in carbon capture and storage (CCS) is growing rapidly as a crucial part of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. To support this growth in capture technology, we need an acceleration in new CO₂ storage project developments. In this course, we review the science and technology underpinning CO₂ storage in deep saline aquifer formations using insights from several industrial-scale projects. We analyze the main factors, which limit storage capacity — constraints governed by flow dynamics, injectivity, pressure development, and geomechanics. Then, this physical basis provides a framework for determining how to optimize monitoring methods. Using the latest portfolio of geophysical methods for smart and cost-effective monitoring at the surface and downhole (including conventional seismic acquisition, passive seismic listening, and fiber-optic sensing), we discuss how short- and long-term storage assurance can be demonstrated with high levels of confidence. Next, we address the question of what is needed to achieve climate-significant scales of CCS deployment. Although technically achievable, the current socio-economic framing often makes storage project execution difficult in practice. By building technical confidence in project execution, we may be able ‘turn the dial’ and realize the gigatonne levels of storage needed over the coming decades.

The goal of this course is to review the main concepts involved in the engineered storage of CO₂ in saline aquifer formations, dispelling some common misunderstandings along the way. After explaining the main trapping mechanisms, we critically assess methods for estimating storage capacity and evaluate the key constraints for achieving the storage volumes needed over the project’s timeframe. The course material has a strong focus on geophysical monitoring methods and data sets, which are key to the stated objective of building confidence in the technology and assuring long-term storage integrity.
Fee:
$560 SEG Nonmember
$375 SEG Member
$100 SEG Student
Room Assignment:
Marriott Marquis Houston, Chambers Room

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