Description
CO2 capture and storage technology are among the actions proposed by the International Panel against Climate Change to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. In order to store CO2 underground, it is necessary to identify a feasible deep geological structure that has a reservoir formation and a seal formation that ensure the fluid containment. Data from exploration wells is the most reliable, but has a very high cost. Therefore it has to be combined with data from cheaper characterization techniques, such as surface geophysical techniques. This project's main purpose is the adaptation and improvement of existing geophysical research technologies for the characterization and the establishment of a base line for deep geological formations, primarily deep brine aquifers that may come to constitute CO2 reservoirs. To achieve this objective, the project will carry out a series of activities including field surveys for data acquisition and interpretation from various geophysical techniques, such as Magneto Telluric ( MT), Transient Electromagnetic Methods (TEM ) and Microseismics.
Summary of project results
The general objective of the project was the adaptation and improvement of existing geophysical research technologies for the characterization and establishment of the baseline of deep geological formations, fundamentally deep saline aquifers that may constitute geological storage of CO2. Specifically, the project focused on the characterization of the geological complex called "Duero", close to the Compostilla thermal power station (León province), to determine its capacity as CO2 deep storage. The project reached the following conclusions: first, the use of the geophysical techniques employed has allowed the establishment and determination of the water salinity in depth at the selected measurement stations. Second, the configuration of the equipment used for the acquisition of the electromagnetic probes has enabled research at depths of up to 1,200 meters, far exceeding the usual depths of penetration of this type of technology (800 meters).
Summary of bilateral results