TGS recently released the Gulf Coast CO2 Storage Assessment in Well Data Analytics

Understanding basin-scale stratigraphy, reservoir properties, formation penetration, and pressure and seal-related risks are critical factors in identifying CO2 sequestration potential. TGS has recently addressed these considerations through the release of the Gulf Coast CO2 Storage Assessment, now available in Well Data Analytics. This assessment maps stratigraphic architecture and petrophysical properties for 15 formations in the Tertiary sequence, offering valuable insights into potential CO2 storage sites.

To achieve this, TGS applied regional petrophysical models to data from 6,300 wells, incorporating quad combo log data, inferred curves, core samples, bottom hole temperatures, and wireline formation tests. This comprehensive dataset enabled the calculation of static CO2 storage capacities for each formation using equations from Goodman et al. (2011). Additionally, regional and intra-formational seal thicknesses were evaluated to better understand containment potential.

The Lower Miocene Formation stands out as a prime candidate for CO2 storage, particularly in Texas and Louisiana, where storage capacities exceed 20 Mt per square kilometer (Figure 1). Reservoir characterization techniques analyzed key factors such as formation thickness, net-to-gross, porosity, CO2 density, displaceable pore volume (irreducible water saturations), and efficiency factors to estimate capacity.

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Figure 1. CO2 storage capacity in metric tons (Mt) for the Lower Miocene Formation along the Gulf Coast (available in Well Data Analytics). Also displayed is CO2 density for the formation in kg/m3.

Other promising formations include the Upper Claiborne, Frio, and Upper Wilcox. A storage play fairway map (Figure 2) highlights zones where storage capacity exceeds one mega metric ton (Upper Claiborne and Upper Wilcox) and five mega metric tons (Frio and Lower Miocene). Based on a storage efficiency factor of 0.1, the estimated potential storage capacities are:

  • Lower Miocene: 560 billion Mt across 58,400 km²
  • Frio: 290 billion Mt across 32,300 km²
  • Upper Claiborne: 110 billion Mt across 29,100 km²
  • Upper Wilcox: 72.7 billion Mt across 34,400 km²

 

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Figure 2. A storage play fairway map for the Lower Miocene, Frio, Upper Claiborne, and Upper Wilcox formations.

With current Class VI permits targeting injection rates of 5 to 15 mega metric tons per year, the Gulf Coast region offers storage capacity sufficient to sequester CO2 for centuries. Identifying areas of ‘stacked pay’ will aid in high grading projects and could increase the efficiency and economics of drilling and injection programs if wells can tap multiple thick sections of vertical pore space. The combination of detailed stratigraphic mapping and reservoir characterization based on extensive well data enhances the ability to evaluate the basin’s long-term sequestration potential effectively.

For more information about TGS Well Data Analytics or to schedule a demo, contact us at WDPSales@tgs.com.