Research Agenda

The following research areas, being progressed with support from the Centre are outlined below. Only a limited number of research themes within these areas are the focus for SRDG support; further projects and proposals building on existing infrastructure as well the infrastructure enhancement supported by SRDG are being supported and being sought from public and private sector research funding sources.

CO₂ Storage in Geological Formations

At least three options exist for CO₂ storage; deep saline aquifers, oil and gas reservoirs and unmineable coal beds. Global capacity estimates range from 40 Gt, coal beds to 10,000 Gt, saline aquifers, (1 Gt = 109 tonnes). This is equivalent to many years of global CO₂ emission, currently around 27 Gt per year. While saline aquifers offer the largest CO₂ storage option, other storage scenarios (i.e. oil/gas/coal formations) are tied with enhanced hydrocarbon recovery, which can offset the storage cost. CO₂ miscible flooding, which has proven to be the most effective Enhanced Oil Recovery method, and provides the double benefit of oil recovery and CO₂ storage. A number of challenges are associated with CO₂ storage, such as reservoir simulation where the time scale is orders of magnitude greater than conventional hydrocarbon reservoir simulation. The corrosive nature of CO₂/brine and its interaction (dissolution/precipitation) with the storage rock are the source of many issues, i.e. injectivity, permeability alteration. and seal rock integrity A number of research themes are addressing these challenges in CO₂ storage in geological formations.

Uncertainty in Geological Storage

Locations for CO₂ storage will require that the site will provide an effective seal to prevent escape of the gas. Stress changes associated with both production and injection can affect the reservoir’s integrity. Research in this area is important in recognising that where studies in relation to oil and gas have taken place in recent years such analysis for deep aquifers has had limited focus. Characterisation of seal mineralogy and potential for dissolution are key predictors.

Monitoring and Verification

Monitoring and verification of stored CO₂ is an important element with respect to general public, government and other stakeholders. CO₂ monitoring requires a range of potential methods including seismic methods, geochemical, gravitational, electromagnetic and tracer technology. The partner institutions are well placed with their geophysical and petrophysical skill base to contribute in this issue.