Evaluating the Penyu Basin for Carbon Capture and Storage: A Comprehensive Seismic Study

Summary The Penyu Basin, located offshore of the Malaysia peninsula, is a geologically complex sedimentary basin with significant potential for geological carbon dioxide storage (GCS). Despite modest hydrocarbon discoveries due to complex charge dynamics, recent insights suggest promising GCS opportunities within its Cenozoic aquifers. Petronas, ADNOC, and Storegga have signed an agreement to explore and develop carbon capture and storage in the region. A contemporary seismic database, incorporating 4050 km2 of reprocessed legacy data, has been developed to enhance imaging of the Pari and Penyu sequences. This data has facilitated detailed mapping of the sedimentary architecture, identifying high-potential GCS sites based on reservoir presence and seal integrity. The Penyu Basin’s Cenozoic succession includes Eocene to Oligocene syn-rift deposits and Miocene to recent post-rift sediments. The Pari formation contains high-quality fluvial to shallow marine sandstones suitable for GCS. The study highlights the importance of both legacy and contemporary seismic data in the GCS screening process. Seismic reprocessing has improved imaging, revealing potential GCS sites within the Pari and Penyu formations. However, challenges such as overpressure and faults in the syn-rift sequences pose risks. The study underscores the value of modern seismic data in identifying viable GCS locations and informing basin-scale depositional models.