oa Comprehensive Risk based Workflow to Develop Detailed MMV Plan for CO2 Sequestration Projects

A Measurement, Monitoring and Verification (MMV) plan is a requirement for subsurface CO2 sequestration projects. A complete MMV plan considers the reservoir location, depth, type, target disposal volume, and time requirement. It also considers the site characteristics, integrity of the storage complex, wells, and specific geologic features. Finally, it conforms to the local governing compliance regulations, guidelines, and mandates on MMV planning.

The MMV design process works within the risk management framework and starts after site selection by evaluating site-specific storage risks before proceeding to implement additional safeguards supported by monitoring in a stepwise approach. The full MMV plan development process evolves from the conceptual stage, through a feasibility stage, to a define stage and includes operations during pre-injection, injection, and site closure.

The risk-based plan is comprehensive to anticipate any unwanted CO2 migration and adaptive to change or expand monitoring as the CO2 storage is underway. The result is an explicit monitoring plan that demonstrates the achievement of objectives, supports strategic planning and field development, helps decision makers make informed choices, prioritize actions, and distinguish among alternative courses of action. The plan accounts for uncertainty, the nature of the uncertainty, and how it can be addressed.