Lessons Learned from Carbon Capture Storage subsurface characterization: green exploration mindset on 3D geological static modeling

Summary Current Upstream decarbonization roadmap would require Carbon Capture Storage projects not just to reduce emissions balance, but to achieve negative emissions. First step in this process of “green exploration”, in analogy with convention exploration, will be to screen out favorable basins. Main objective of this “green exploration” is to analyze (feasibility study) which subsurface options could progress on the project management decision process (Carbon Capture & Storage, CCS subsurface). There are evident advantages in mature Oil & Gas basins where producing fields, close to depletion, aligned with dry hole (potential saline aquifer’s) could speed up screening process feasibility. Based on a prior positive screening a project (depleted Oil & Gas Field) could be sanctioned for next milestone: computed 3D Geological Static model, which will integrate all available Geological, Geophysical & Logging data with required interpretation. This paper summarizes main lessons learned gathered from in-house 3D geological modeling of depleted oil & gas fields and saline aquifers (upside green exploration in shallow producing fields horizons). Mentioned 3D Geological Static model has proven to be the corner stone of any further CO2 storage feasibility analysis and a starting point to explore for additional storage resources, outside producing reservoirs.