Petrophysical Characterisation of Fractured Basalts for CCS Storage: A Case Study from Deccan Volcanic Province

Summary The Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP) contains the world’s largest continental flood basalt formations, which present significant potential for carbon capture and storage (CCS), given the presence of multiple hard-to-abate industries in its proximity. This study presents a robust and comprehensive methodology for characterizing fractures in basalt formations, specifically tailored for CCS applications, using open-hole log data. It emphasizes the significance of accurate fracture characterization as a critical factor in optimizing CCS site screening in basalts. The research validates a range of fracture characterization techniques by comparing their results against advanced petrophysical data, ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of these methods in real-world scenarios. A detailed, data-driven investigation of multiple wells in the DVP reveals crucial insights into the petrophysical properties of basalt formations, demonstrating their viability for CO2 sequestration. The results emphasize the importance of fracture characterization to ensure safe and effective CO2 storage, thereby minimizing environmental risks. This research provides practical solutions to challenges in implementing CCS in basalt formations, offering valuable insights for more efficient long-term CO2 sequestration strategies in volcanic environments.