Publication Name: PESA Gazette
Authors: Simon Holford, Mojtaba Rajabi, Scott Mildren, Rosalind King, Adam Bailey
Publication Issue: August 2024
Date Published: August 2024
Number of Pages: 13
https://doi.org/10.36404/RQML9899
Abstract:
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a critical component of proposed pathways to limit global warming, though considerable upscaling is required to meet emissions reductions targets. Quantifying and managing the risks of fault reactivation is a leading barrier to scaling global CCS projects from current levels of ~40 MtCO2/yr to target levels of several GtCO2/yr because CO2 injection into reservoirs can result in increased pore fluid pressure and temperature changes, which can reduce the strength of rocks and faults, and induce brittle failure. This can result in induced seismicity, whilst hydraulic fracturing of overlying sealing formations could provide pathways for CO2 leakage. Consequently, identifying favourable geomechanical conditions (typically determined through data on pre-injection rock stress, mechanical and elastic properties and pore-fluid pressures) to minimise deformation of reservoirs and seals represents a key challenge in the selection and de-risking of safe and effective sites for CCS projects.