Reservoir utilization for energy transition

The main objective of this work package is to improve the reservoir energy production strategy with carbon capture and storage.

Published 27. Jan. 2022. Updated on 18. Aug. 2023

Reservoir utilization for energy transition, illustration

Achieving the NZE target by 2050 requires further development of CO₂ sequestration sites and exploration of alternative energy, such as H₂ and heat. Therefore, developing methods and tools that can enhance the capacity of geological sites for storage (CO₂ and H₂), and production of geothermal energy on the NCS is of importance. Specific targets of WP2 are:

Improve the reservoir energy production strategy with carbon capture and storage.
Describe and understand H₂ storage and retrieval mechanisms in different geological formations.
Provide tracer monitoring, leakage remediation and mitigation strategies for waste and energy storage.
Model reactive flow transport in deformable porous rocks for reliable assessment of storage sites.
Investigate if HPHT reservoirs can be utilized as geothermal heat mining sites.

Work package 2 summed up

Developing methods and tools that can enhance the capacity of geological sites for storage (CO₂ and H₂), and production of geothermal energy on the Norwegian continental shelf is of importance.

Work package 2 summed up

Four projects have been defined:

2.1 Physics of focused fluid flow in sedimentary basins

The North Sea is considered to be the most important region for CO₂ Storage in NW-Europe. Chimney structures and pockmarks are widespread in this area. They have been reported from existing and proposed storage sites. Speed-up of CCS in Europe requires identification and characterization of more available storage space. Very little is known about the leakage potential of chimneys and about the factors triggering their formation. Understanding these processes is crucial for assessing the geotechnical significance of such features and for the development of a CCS infrastructure in the North Sea.

2.2 Recommended practice for numerical modeling of geomechanical behavior of various fields on the NCS

The NCS has a wide variety of fields modelled with finite element technology to estimate deformation and stress change in the subsurface resulting from the exploitation of oil and gas. Typical reservoir types modeled with finite element technology are cases that will induce large scale (meters) of seafloor subsidence or significant subsurface deformations that can impact the well structures themselves and their integrity. These are fields like Troll, Ekofisk area, and Valhall area. The development of HPHT fields on the NCS has also increased the use of these models. Thus, there is a need for cooperation between industry and academia to address geomechanical problems.

2.3 Tracers and tracing methods for utilization of the NCS in the energy transition

This project intends to develop tracing methods and tracers to produce data that will in-crease the understanding of the subsurface on the NCS aiming for its use for CCS and H₂ storage. CO₂-EOR will also be considered. Tracers remain as the only dynamic tool available for description of fluid saturation and distribution in the reservoir and thus can significantly contribute for value creation within the energy transition framework. We will aim for the development of new CO₂ tracers, and a tracing methodology to monitor the development of salt caverns for H₂ storage.

2.4 Hydrogen storage and back-production in porous media

Injection of H₂ for storage and back production in reservoirs will give variation of conditions (temperature and pressure). The potential for modification of porous media properties during H₂-storage should be determined. Proposed project is based on experience with periodic CO₂ injection, improvement of volumetric sweep in EOR processes, injectivity challenges, flow assurance and chemical analysis. The project will establish method for efficient and safe in-jection, storage and back production of H₂ in porous reservoirs of different types.