In the quest to mitigate climate change, the energy sector is increasingly turning to carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. A recent study published in the journal “IEEE Access” explores a novel approach to monitoring CO2 deposits using marine controlled source electromagnetic (MCSEM) methods, potentially revolutionizing how we manage subsurface CO2 storage.
The study, led by Jessica L. S. Pinheiro Ito of the Geophysics Graduate Program at the Federal University of Pará in Brazil, investigates the feasibility of MCSEM in tracking CO2 behavior underground. This method, already widely used in the oil and gas industry to detect hydrocarbons, leverages the similar resistivity properties of CO2 and hydrocarbons to monitor gas deposits effectively.
“The physical properties of CO2 are analogous to those of hydrocarbons, making MCSEM a conceivable proposition for monitoring CO2 storage sites,” Ito explains. The research focuses on the Sleipner field in the North Sea Basin, where CO2 injection has been ongoing since 1996. By creating a realistic model of the CO2 plume based on seismic and well data, the study demonstrates the potential of MCSEM to facilitate the necessary monitoring of these underground reservoirs.
The efficacy of the method was evaluated concerning both frequency and the growth of the CO2 plume. The results indicate that MCSEM has the capacity to provide the requisite monitoring, but it is crucial to have prior knowledge of the injection site to select the most optimal survey arrangement and determine the optimal investigation frequencies.
This research could significantly impact the energy sector by providing a more accurate and efficient way to monitor CO2 storage sites. As the global search for renewable energy sources intensifies, the need for effective CCS technologies becomes ever more critical. The application of MCSEM in this context could pave the way for more reliable and safe CO2 storage, ultimately contributing to the reduction of atmospheric CO2 levels.
“The success of this method could shape future developments in the field by offering a more precise and efficient monitoring tool,” Ito adds. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the integration of advanced geophysical methodologies like MCSEM could play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable energy solutions.
Published in the journal “IEEE Access,” this study opens new avenues for the energy sector, emphasizing the importance of innovative technologies in the ongoing battle against climate change.