Interaction of CO₂ Storage with Subsurface Resources

Publication Overview

The objectives of the study were to: 1. Provide a comprehensive literature-based review of sub-surface exploitation activities that may affect storage operations, focussing in regions where large scale CCS development is currently focussed. 2. Provide a qualitative assessment of potential interactions and impacts using case study sedimentary basins. 3. Provide policy makers, regulators and developers with a checklist of potential sub surface resource interactions together with a preliminary explanation of possible impacts and management options 4. Where possible, provide case study examples of resource interaction issues have been successfully managed to enable multiple resource use

Publication Summary

• Other subsurface resources may exist at similar depths and localities and therefore interact with CO₂ Storage. These include oil and gas, coal, natural gas storage, saline aquifer minerals, geothermal energy, potable groundwater and waste water disposal.
• Interaction of CO₂ storage with other resources can be positive or negative depending on the geology, existing resources, economic potential and the regulatory environment.
• CO₂ storage operations may be feasible, both adjacent to other resource uses or at different stratigraphic levels in the same locality, particularly if there is no detrimental pressure connection.
• Resource use interactions can occur at the same time or sequentially.
• Regulatory agencies should consider the following stages when evaluating resource development in relation to geological storage of carbon dioxide: o Identify all resources within region/ basin, map their distribution and assess their quality. o Establish priority of use between the various resources and CO₂ storage. o Assess proposed CO₂ storage project – site characterisation, MMV plans, contingency and mitigation planning. o Review injection plans and achievability; assess if they might lead to conflict o Review abandonment plan, longer term MMV, liability transfer arrangements.
• Delays in establishing CO₂ storage regulations could not only inhibit CO₂ storage project development, they could lead to future, detrimental resource interactions.