Geological Storage of CO2

Research under this theme focuses on knowledge development contributing to the demonstration that CCGS is a safe, reliable and environmentally beneficial practice for long-term CO2 storage (the order of thousands of years). Research activities range from the micro-scale to the macro-scale and are motivated by the growing recognition that assumptions of uniformity, at certain scales are inadequate for extrapolating fluid (CO2, brine, oil, gas) behavior both in time and space. Research programs focus on developing an understanding of the relationships between measured and modelled subsurface CO2 and fluid flows spanning the range of spatial and temporal scales relevant to management of geological storage. The research activities aim to cover the main gaps identified for the storage components in the Carbon Capture and Storage Technology Roadmap of Canada.

  • Integrated flow, geochemical and geomechanical model for geological storage of CO2;
  • Development of appropriate upscaling relationships for rock and flow heterogeneity suitable for predicting the fate of CO2 movement in the subsurface;
  • Workflow to integrate numerical models into risk assessments and for use in design of optimized measurement and monitoring programs;
  • Development of appropriate micro-scale characterization techniques of caprocks suitable to scaling properties to the macro-scale performance of the caprocks under geological storage conditions;
  • Performance assessment workflow for monitoring and verifying the security of underground coal gasification processes.