Injection Strategies for CO₂ Storage Sites
- 1 June 2010
- Storage
The project has two main deliverables: 1) A comprehensive review of international research and current understanding with respect to the strategies, technologies and economics of CO₂ injection into subsurface formations and 2) spreadsheet applications based on analytical methods and look-up tables for the planning of CO₂ injection schemes. The review part of the report addresses the following main topics: a) injection well hydraulics and numerical modelling of CO₂ injection; b) proposed strategies for storage optimisation and experience from existing injection operations; c) economics and trade-offs of CO₂ injection schemes; and d) injection well design and remediation methods. More specifically, the following are covered: Parameters that affect injectivity and storage capacity were assessed through a critical review of literature and experience from existing storage operations.The consequences of uncertainty in parameter estimation in numerical reservoir simulations of CO₂ injection schemes are discussed, particularly with respect to relative permeability, heterogeneity effects and economic impacts. Injection strategies that are believed to enhance dissolution of CO₂ in formation water (i.e., co-injection of water) or mineral precipitation, thereby increasing storage security were examined. Economics of well design, drilling techniques and stimulation methods were assessed for various storage environments, reservoir quality and transport distances.Selected existing CO₂ storage sites and pilot projects, CO₂-EOR projects and natural gas storage sites were reviewed with respect to well design, injection strategy and associated costs.
