4D seismic monitoring of CO2 sequestration

Abstract

WA is poised to embark on several major new energy developments. These include $250+ Billion AUD investment in new gas reserves that will begin production in the Carnarvon, Browse and Bonaparte basins. Developing these new gas reserves will require handling many Millions of tons per year in CO2 released as a natural byproduct of the LNG process. To avoid venting this natural CO2 into the atmosphere, which may be bad for both the environment and business, the CO2 will have to be disposed of safely. One of the best available options is to accelerate nature's course by re-injecting and storing CO2 into deep rock formations, termed "geo-sequestration". Geophysical monitoring of producing gas reservoirs will thus play an important role in two ways; (1) enhancing the gas recovery factor of these projects by improving the reservoir model and understanding geologic flow complexity, and (2) monitoring any required CO2 injection to ensure it is being safely stored in the subsurface for the longterm. In addition to petroleum applications, there is a strong interest in developing clean-coal initiatives by capturing the CO2 generated at coal-fired power plants and injecting it into the subsurface. Geophysical techniques will therefore also play a key role in monitoring and verification strategies for clean-coal CO2 sequestration projects.