In the heart of Bangladesh, a novel approach to tackling greenhouse gas emissions is taking shape, one that could potentially reshape the country’s energy landscape and offer a blueprint for sustainable carbon management worldwide. Researchers, led by Md. Shakil Rahaman from the Department of Petroleum and Mining Engineering at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, have published a groundbreaking study in the Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology. Their work explores the integration of CO2 sequestration with enhanced gas recovery (CO2-EGR-CCUS) in depleted gas reservoirs, a strategy that could simultaneously mitigate emissions and boost energy production.
Bangladesh has witnessed a 40% surge in CO2 emissions from 2000 to 2020, with the power industry and process sector being the primary contributors. The study by Rahaman and his team presents a promising mitigation strategy that could significantly dent these emissions. “Our research demonstrates the feasibility of combining CO2 storage with enhanced methane recovery,” Rahaman explains. “This dual objective approach not only helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also maximizes the recovery of residual methane, making it a win-win strategy for both the environment and the energy sector.”
The study employed reservoir simulation using CMG software to evaluate various scenarios. The researchers performed a comprehensive sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of well placement, injection rate, and injection pressure on CO2 injectivity and methane recovery. Among the tested scenarios, staggered well placement with an injection rate of 47 MMSCF/D at 4700 psi yielded the highest gas recovery factor of 4.52%, recovering 1.3 BCF of methane from a depleted gas reservoir with a Gas Initially in Place of 28.8 BCF.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are profound. By integrating CO2 sequestration with enhanced gas recovery, energy companies could potentially extend the life of depleted gas reservoirs while contributing to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “This strategy could be a game-changer for the energy sector,” Rahaman notes. “It offers a sustainable way to manage carbon emissions while also enhancing energy production.”
The study also highlights the importance of site-specific geological and operational constraints in optimizing CCUS operations. The findings could guide future developments in the field, shaping the way energy companies approach carbon management and enhanced gas recovery.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, innovative strategies like CO2-EGR-CCUS offer a glimmer of hope. The research by Rahaman and his team not only contributes valuable insights to the scientific community but also paves the way for a more sustainable future for the energy sector. With further research and development, this approach could be replicated in other parts of the world, offering a scalable solution to the pressing issue of greenhouse gas emissions.