Static Modelling and Dynamic Simulation for Geological CO2 Storage: an Integrated Regional Scale Approach

A massive and rapid reduction of carbon dioxide emissions is required to effectively address climate change and comply with international agreements. CCS technologies have been successfully applied and can actively contribute to this goal. By interpreting 2D and 3D seismic and well data, a regional model of the Bunter Sandstone Formation in the Southern North Sea has been built to investigate the feasibility of basin-scale carbon storage. Furthermore, parameters that affect long-term plume migration in saline aquifers have been studied.

This comprehensive analysis of static modelling and reservoir simulation has shown that migration naturally occurs over decades and centuries, with distinct patterns during and after injection phases. Consequently, plume evolution is influenced by reservoir heterogeneities, connectivity, and top structure shapes, which also help increase trapping mechanisms. Moreover, existing pressure gradients stimulate hydrodynamic fluxes affecting the whole region, allowing long-term migration and containment efficiency.

The complex interplay of these elements underscores the need for a deep, large-scale understanding of geological storage, but not limited to the operational time, which can potentially drive innovative strategies for expanding geological carbon storage in similar saline aquifers.