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The University of Texas at Austin is utilizing existing data (well logs, records and sample descriptions from existing or plugged/abandoned wells, available seismic surveys, existing core samples, and other available geologic and laboratory data) from historical hydrocarbon industry activities in the heavily explored areas of the inner continental shelf portions of the Texas and Louisiana Gulf of Mexico coast (Figure 1) in order to assess the storage capacity of depleted oil and natural gas reservoirs. Additionally, they are assessing the ability of saline formations in the region to safely and permanently store nationally-significant amounts of anthropogenic CO2. The project is identifying at least one specific site that could be considered for a future commercial or integrated demonstration project with the ability to store at least 30 million tons of CO2. The study is undertaking a regional geologic characterization of the stratigraphy of the Texas and western Louisiana offshore regions to provide a detailed assessment of CO2 storage opportunities.

 

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Figure 1: Map depicting the study area (blue outline) and associated infrastructure located along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf of Mexico coastal area.
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Principal Investigator
Dr. Tip Meckel
tip.meckel@beg.utexas.edu
Project Benefits

The project focuses on the methodology being developed for the assessment of offshore CO2 storage resources in depleted hydrocarbon field settings and saline aquifers. The approach is designed to improve the current understanding of CO2 storage potential for a large area of the Gulf of Mexico adjacent to significant industrial emissions sources. This project supports the goals of the Carbon Storage Program by supporting industry’s ability to predict CO2 storage capacity in geologic formations to within 30 percent by assessing potential regional storage formations in the study area. The study is also producing information that is useful for inclusion in Department of Energy’s Best Practices Manuals.

 

Project ID
FE0026083
Website
University of Texas at Austin
http://www.utexas.edu/