A Hierarchical Framework for CO2 Storage Capacity in Deep Saline Aquifer Formations

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) storage in deep saline aquifers is a vital option for CO2 mitigation at a large scale. Determining storage capacity is one of the crucial steps toward large-scale deployment of CO2 storage. Results of capacity assessments tend toward a consensus that sufficient resources are available in saline aquifers in many parts of the world. However, current CO2 capacity assessments involve significant inconsistencies and uncertainties caused by various technical assumptions, storage mechanisms considered, algorithms, and data types and resolutions. Furthermore, other constraint factors (such as techno-economic features, site suitability, risk, regulation, social-economic situation, and policies) significantly affect the storage capacity assessment results. Consequently, a consensus capacity classification system and assessment method should be capable of classifying the capacity type or even more related uncertainties. We present a hierarchical framework of CO2 capacity to define the capacity types based on the various factors, algorithms, and datasets. Finally, a review of onshore CO2 aquifer storage capacity assessments in China is presented as examples to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed hierarchical framework.

A Comprehensive Review on Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Methods

“…Recently, the topic of discussion has been the potential for CO 2 to be stored in salty aquifers (Bachu et al, [28]), (Wei et al, [29]) in combination with EOR storage (Boundary-Dam-Apache). These studies address topics including site description and long-term planning according to Bachu [28] as well as the range of complementary and competing subterranean uses (Procesi et al, [25]).…”

Minireview on CO2 Storage in Deep Saline Aquifers: Methods, Opportunities, Challenges, and Perspectives

“…7,8 Storage of CO 2 mainly depends on the capacity of the reservoir, retention time, storage mechanisms, injection strategies, site suitability, etc. 9 In recent years, CO 2 storage in deep saline aquifers has become more popular among researchers. Figure 2 as evidenced by the data obtained from the Web of Science database 10 using CO 2 storage in saline aquifers as keywords.…”

“…By the end of 2014, several large-scale projects in the United States had successfully stored more than 7.2 million metric tons (Mt) of CO 2 in different geologic formations . According to recent studies, the capacity of CCUS (carbon capture, utilization and storage) needs to be increased from 40 Mt/y to more than 560 Mt/y to restrict global warming to a maximum of 2 °C by 2050. , Storage of CO 2 mainly depends on the capacity of the reservoir, retention time, storage mechanisms, injection strategies, site suitability, etc . In recent years, CO 2 storage in deep saline aquifers has become more popular among researchers.…”

Two‐phase flow behavior in CO2 geological storage considering spatial parameter heterogeneity

“…4,5 Among them, saline aquifer storage is considered the most suitable approach for CO 2 storage due to its high storage capacity and high stability. [6][7][8][9][10] However, the risks associated with CO 2 storage in underground saline aquifers should not be overlooked. 11,12 During the injection of supercritical CO 2 into the reservoir, the pressure within reservoir pores significantly increases, which may lead to CO 2 breakthrough and escape into shallow rock formations or even at the surface, causing severe environmental damage.…”

“…These sites exhibit favorable geological conditions for CO 2 storage, such as structural traps, dissolution in saline aquifers, storage in rock pores (residual gas trapping), and mineral reactions with rocks for CO 2 storage (mineral trapping) 4,5 . Among them, saline aquifer storage is considered the most suitable approach for CO 2 storage due to its high storage capacity and high stability 6–10 …”