Description
The main objective of the project is research in geological storage of carbon dioxide in the Czech Republic. The project represents a crucial step to raise the technology readiness level (TRL) for geological storage of CO2 in the Czech environment from the TRL 4 level (technology tested under laboratory conditions) to the TRL 5 level (technology tested in the relevant environment), i.e. that the storage was tested on a specific geological structure of a similar type as the potential future area of storage, on an industrial scale. The outputs of the project include assessment of geological structure – potential storage (the site of exhausted oil deposits), elaboration of risk analyses of the site and reassessment the potential of the rock structures of the Carpathian Mountains in the CR for CO2 storage. The project builds on the long term Czech-Norwegian research partnership between the Czech Geological Service and the International Institute of Stavanger, which form the core of project consortium. The project includes further 5 Czech partners, mostly focussing on research with mutually complementary competencies.
Summary of project results
The 0003 project can be seen as a flagship in CCS because of its complexity, volume and sustainability. The project was designed to initiate the preparatory phase of a CO2 storage research pilot project in the Czech Republic, following the rules set by the national law and the EU CCS Directive. The target storage structure is a small depleted hydrocarbon field in South-East Moravia, at ca. 900 m depth. The project contributed to Output 1 (research) by 1 batch of documents (i.e. by 4 reports) as well as to Output 2 (awareness) by 1 comprehensive campaign (i.e. 6 planned / 7 realized methods of dissemination and publicity consisting of seminars, web site, brochure and a newsletter). Dynamic modeling of storage structures behaviors in the time and the simulations of CO2 injection repository were completed. All project data were stored and made available in a structured geodatabase. An assessment report on risks associated with the operation of the repository and final monitoring plan were prepared. The potential for geological storage of CO2 over the eastern part of the Czech Republic was reappraised in a separate study and plans for further realization of experimental CO2 storage on site LBR-1a have been drafted. The project was highly successful and that the objectives were achieved and indicators fulfilled or even exceeded. The project resulted into the important conclusion that the selected geological structure (Bearing LBR-1) is suitable for CO2 geological storage and that preparations for the implementation of a research pilot project can continue in the future. The project results have been presented at a number of domestic and international seminars/conferences, e.g. in Venice within the conference CO2GeoNet Open Forum, in Oslo and in Lausanne at the GHGT-13 conference. The sustainability is excellent - next projects have been drafted towards pilot testing. A direct follow-up is planned within the new period of Norway grants (Research PRG Czech Republic.)
Summary of bilateral results
The project was implemented in active collaboration with IRIS Stavanger. The partner was involved in 7 (out of 10) project activities, mainly in dynamic modelling (assessment of a potential residual oil mobilisation as a result of its interaction with injected dioxide and CO2 injection simulations) and assessment of risks of carbon dioxide leakages and modelling of carbon dioxide leakage paths. Furthermore, ÏRIS contributed to elaboration of a 3D static geological model of the storage site and also publicity and knowledge dissemination, sharing and education. The partner absorbed about 1/2 of the project budget, there was also an item dedicated to project management at IRIS. Overall partner’s allocation to the project was about 75 days but was increased with respect to additonal works necessary from flexible adjustments (the stress had been put on modelling rather than to laboratory testing because of lack of valid samples). The participation of IRIS in the project builds on long term cooperation with the Project Promoter. The bilateral aspects have been supported by means from the Fund for bilateral relations (see the section on "B" measures.) The representatives from IRIS participated jointly at workshops with the Promoter, and presented joint results on international CCS platforms.