In a significant stride towards combating climate change, Danish researchers have completed a comprehensive seismic investigation of eight geological structures, paving the way for potential large-scale CO2 storage. This groundbreaking work, published in the latest issue of the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland Bulletin, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s carbon capture and storage (CCS) strategy.
The project, dubbed ‘CCS2022–2024’, was initiated following the ratification of Denmark’s national CCS strategy in June 2021. Led by Ulrik Gregersen from the Department of Geophysics and Sedimentary Basins at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), the team collaborated with various institutions to acquire and interpret new 2D seismic data between 2022 and 2024. Their goal? To identify and mature eight promising sites for subsurface CO2 storage, both onshore and offshore.
The selected sites span across Denmark, with onshore targets including the Gassum, Havnsø, Rødby, Stenlille, and Thorning structures, and offshore sites comprising the Inez, Jammerbugt, and Lisa structures. These locations were chosen for their large subsurface structures, making them ideal candidates for CO2 storage.
The team’s work involved extensive seismic acquisition, processing, and interpretation of both new and pre-existing data. They also analyzed existing deep wells to gain a comprehensive understanding of the geology beneath Denmark’s surface. “Our studies have provided an improved understanding of the formation, composition, and geometry of these structures,” Gregersen explained. “This includes mapping of reservoir and seal formations, identification of principal faults, and interpretation of the stratigraphic and structural development.”
The research goes beyond mere data collection. It offers a detailed characterization of the reservoir and seal formations, estimates of static storage capacity, and even inspires new ideas, such as an updated regional stratigraphic interpretation of the Triassic succession of the Danish Basin. This updated interpretation could have significant implications for the energy sector, potentially unlocking new opportunities for exploration and development.
The implications of this research are vast. As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, CCS technologies are increasingly seen as a crucial part of the solution. By identifying and maturing these potential storage sites, Denmark is positioning itself at the forefront of this technological revolution.
The energy sector stands to benefit significantly from these findings. The identification of viable CO2 storage sites could lead to increased investment in CCS technologies, creating new jobs and stimulating economic growth. Moreover, it could pave the way for the development of carbon-neutral energy sources, further enhancing Denmark’s reputation as a leader in sustainable energy.
The research published in the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland Bulletin, also known as the Danish Journal of Geoscience, provides a roadmap for future developments in the field. As Gregersen puts it, “This research provides a significant step forward concerning the characterization of the geology and maturation of the potential storage sites.” With this knowledge in hand, Denmark is well on its way to becoming a global leader in carbon capture and storage, shaping the future of the energy sector and contributing to a more sustainable world.