Development of a Novel Workflow for CCS Site Screening Utilizing a Geological Database and Survey Data

Summary Achieving decarbonization via Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) requires not only accelerating the site screening phase but also enhancing the accuracy and reliability of subsurface evaluations. To develop a simple and efficient workflow for CCS site screening, we utilized subsurface and relevant databases, along with seismic and well log data. This methodology has been implemented in regional-scale basin assessments across Australia. Our proposed workflow is divided into two phases. In Phase 1, potential areas across Australia were mapped by evaluating risk parameters such as sedimentary thickness, tectonics, existing fields, water depth, and temperature. These results demonstrated that the workflow could evaluate CCS fairway areas over a large region. By overlaying this potential area map with the distribution of CO2 emitters, infrastructure, and nature reserves, potential areas were highlighted. Based on this integrated analysis, the following five prospective sedimentary basins were selected as candidates for initiating hub-and-cluster CCS developments: Bonaparte, Browse, Gippsland, North Carnarvon, and Otway. In Phase 2, field and seismic data were used to identify locations where pairs of injectable reservoirs and seals exist, as well as areas with a low risk of faulting or reservoir pinch-out. As a result, more spatially constrained fairway areas were delineated for each individual reservoir. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, including Australia and Southeast Asian countries, the future expansion of CCS initiatives is anticipated not only in depleted oil and gas fields but also in saline aquifer targets. To launch these CCS projects, the next phase requires comprehensive and methodical evaluations to select fairway areas. The screening workflow established in this study enables the efficient narrowing down of fairway areas. It is expected to support the early development of CCS projects.