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oa Geochemical Monitoring of CO2 Storage: Reactive Minerals and Analytical Tools in Saline and Depleted Reservoirs
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, World CCUS Conference 2025, Sep 2025, Volume 2025, p.1 - 5
Abstract
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a key strategy to reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate climate change. The skills and techniques developed in the Oil & Gas sector can be adapted and applied to ensure accurate monitoring of geochemical interactions between injected CO2, formation fluids and reservoir minerals, thus ensuring storage effectiveness and safety. This study presents an integrated geochemical monitoring approach applicable to both deep saline aquifers and depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, considering both solid samples (cuttings) and liquids (brines and formation waters). The methodology revolves around pre- and post-injection analyses for monitoring the main CO2-reactive minerals and chemical species involved that can alter the porosity, permeability and structural integrity of the rock formation, making their early detection essential. The proposed strategy combines preliminary portable field techniques (XRD, XRF) with high-resolution laboratory analyses (SEM, LA-ICP-MS), providing a comprehensive and dynamic picture of the reservoir evolution. Monitoring these processes is therefore essential to evaluate the evolution of the system and ensure the long-term stability of the geological storage of CO2.
