3D seismic modeling of the Amal oil field to evaluate CO2 storage potential in depleted reservoirs, Southern Gulf of Suez

The Amal Oil Field in the Southern Gulf of Suez presents significant potential for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). This study integrates 3D geological modeling, seismic interpretation, and petrophysical analysis to assess the field's suitability for CO₂ sequestration. The structural analysis identifies a primary horst block bounded by major normal faults, providing an effective structural trap for CO₂ storage. Stratigraphic studies confirm the presence of robust sealing formations, including the Kareem shale and the evaporite-dominated Zeit and South Gharib Formations, ensuring long-term containment. Petrophysical evaluation of the Upper Rudies reservoir reveals favorable conditions for CO₂ injection, characterized by low shale volume, moderately high effective porosity, low water saturation, and adequate permeability. Reservoir property modeling, conducted using sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS), a statistical method used to distribute reservoir properties, such as porosity and permeability, throughout the reservoir by generating multiple possible scenarios based on a Gaussian distribution model, demonstrates significant lateral and vertical heterogeneity, with the central horst block exhibiting the highest storage potential. Permeability distribution varies from 0.1 to 100 mD, with an average of 10 mD in key reservoir zones, further supporting its suitability for CO₂ injection. CO₂ storage capacity estimation, incorporating grid pore volumes, CO₂ density, formation volume factor, and storage efficiency coefficient, suggests a storage potential ranging from 3.6 to 48.5 million tons. Spatial analysis highlights the central and northwestern regions as the most promising areas for injection due to higher porosity and net pay thickness. The Gulf of Suez boasts a unique geological setting, providing excellent structural traps for hydrocarbon and CO₂ storage. Its well-developed infrastructure, including extensive pipelines, processing facilities, and existing wells, supports efficient CO₂ transportation and injection, enhancing the feasibility of large-scale CO₂ storage with minimal additional investment. The region's strategic location also enhances its role in global trade and energy logistics. This study provides a comprehensive workflow for evaluating depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs for CCS applications, offering valuable insights for future CO₂ sequestration projects in the Gulf of Suez, a region underexplored in CCS literature. The findings contribute to Egypt's national carbon reduction initiatives and support global climate mitigation strategies.