A Strategic Tool for Carbon Sequestration in Texas and Louisiana

TGS released the Gulf Coast CO₂ Storage Assessment, a dataset providing a regional interpretation of storage reservoirs and seal units across the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast.

As carbon capture and storage (CCS) becomes a more prominent strategy for reducing carbon emissions, the demand for detailed information on potential storage reservoirs is growing significantly. Recently, TGS released the Gulf Coast CO₂ Storage Assessment, which includes data from more than 6,000 wells, featuring core-calibrated petrophysical and stratigraphic interpretations. This information is crucial for site-specific initiatives, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions about strategic bidding plans such as the Texas General Land Office (GLO) CCS Lease Sale, slated to close on October 3.

Identifying suitable reservoirs for CO₂ storage is a complex task that requires an in-depth understanding of the geological characteristics of the subsurface. The Gulf Coast region, particularly in Texas and Louisiana, offers a vast opportunity for carbon storage due to its geological formations. One example of the value this dataset offers is the analysis of the Lower Miocene (Figure 1) storage capacity within the Matagorda Bay area lease blocks, which are currently available for bidding. 

Figure 1. Structure map of the Lower Miocene Formation along the Gulf Coast. The Figure 2 inset shows the approximate extent of the Figure 2 map (see below).

• These blocks feature favorable geological conditions for CO₂ storage (Figure 2), including:
  Combined storage capacity: The blocks have a maximum combined storage capacity of 13,400 metric tons, with an average CO₂ density of 696 kg/m³.
• Reservoir characteristics: The Lower Miocene exhibits optimal reservoir properties, such as an average porosity of 23%, average permeability of 430 mD, average temperature of 180°F, average pressure of 3,938 psi, and average salinity of 212,300 ppm.
• Seal unit characteristics: The Lower Miocene is overlain by the Amph-B Shale, which serves as a major seal unit. This shale has an average non-reservoir thickness of 220 ft and an average permeability of 136 mD.

Figure 2. CO₂ storage capacity in metric tons map of the Lower Miocene Formation in the central Gulf Coast. The black outlines represent the GLO CCS block available for bidding in the Matagorda Bay area.

These characteristics make the Lower Miocene an excellent candidate for CO₂ storage. The reservoir’s favorable porosity and permeability facilitate the injection of CO₂, while the Amph-B Shale acts as a caprock, trapping the injected gas and ensuring long-term storage stability.

The Gulf Coast CO₂ Storage Assessment is a valuable resource for stakeholders looking to participate in the Texas GLO CCS Lease Sale and beyond. With its robust dataset and clear visualizations, this assessment provides critical insights into the subsurface, allowing companies to make informed decisions about potential storage sites. As carbon capture and storage becomes a key strategy for reducing emissions, the Gulf Coast offers an excellent opportunity for large-scale sequestration, and the Gulf Coast CO₂ Storage Assessment will be a vital tool for guiding these efforts.

For more information on our CO₂ Storage Assessment or to schedule a demo, contact us at WDPSales@tgs.com.