In the sun-scorched landscapes of the Southern Gulf of Suez, an old oil field is being eyed for a new purpose: transforming into a vast underground storage facility for carbon dioxide. The Amal Oil Field, once a bustling hub of hydrocarbon extraction, is now at the center of a groundbreaking study that could redefine the future of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the region.
Mohammed Amer, a geophysicist from Cairo University, has led a comprehensive analysis of the Amal field, integrating 3D geological modeling, seismic interpretation, and petrophysical analysis to assess its potential for CO2 sequestration. The findings, recently published in the journal Scientific Reports, reveal a promising outlook for turning depleted oil reservoirs into effective carbon sinks.
The study identifies a primary structural feature, a horst block bounded by major faults, which could serve as an effective trap for CO2. “The structural integrity of the Amal field, combined with the presence of robust sealing formations like the Kareem shale and the evaporite-dominated Zeit and South Gharib Formations, makes it an ideal candidate for long-term CO2 storage,” Amer explains.
The Upper Rudies reservoir, a key focus of the study, exhibits favorable conditions for CO2 injection. With low shale volume, moderately high effective porosity, and adequate permeability, this reservoir could play a crucial role in Egypt’s carbon reduction initiatives. The reservoir property modeling, conducted using sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS), highlights significant lateral and vertical heterogeneity, with the central horst block showing the highest storage potential.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is the potential commercial impact on the energy sector. The Gulf of Suez’s well-developed infrastructure, including extensive pipelines and processing facilities, could support efficient CO2 transportation and injection. This existing infrastructure minimizes additional investment, making large-scale CO2 storage more feasible and economically viable.
The strategic location of the Gulf of Suez also enhances its role in global trade and energy logistics. As the world increasingly focuses on carbon mitigation strategies, regions like the Gulf of Suez could become pivotal in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The study provides a comprehensive workflow for evaluating depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs for CCS applications, offering valuable insights for future CO2 sequestration projects. This research not only supports Egypt’s national carbon reduction initiatives but also contributes to global climate mitigation strategies.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the repurposing of depleted oil fields for CO2 storage could become a significant trend. The Amal Oil Field’s potential for CO2 sequestration, as highlighted by Amer’s research, could serve as a model for similar projects in the Gulf of Suez and beyond. The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, which translates to “Scientific Reports” in English, underscore the importance of innovative solutions in the fight against climate change.
The future of carbon capture and storage in the Gulf of Suez looks promising, with the Amal Oil Field leading the way. As the energy sector adapts to a low-carbon future, the insights from this study could shape the development of new CCS projects, turning old oil fields into new frontiers in the battle against climate change.