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AAPG Bulletin

Abstract

DOI: 10.1306/03222221110

Structural traps and seals for expanding CO2 storage in the northern Horda platform, North Sea

Johnathon L. Osmond,1 Mark J. Mulrooney,2 Nora Holden,3 Elin Skurtveit,4 Jan Inge Faleide,5 and Alvar Braathen6

1Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; [email protected]
2Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; [email protected]
3Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; [email protected]
4Integrated Geotechnology, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Oslo, Norway; University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; [email protected]
5Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; [email protected]
6Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Development and maturation of geological carbon dioxide (CO2) storage projects along the Norwegian Continental shelf is ongoing, but even more storage locations are needed to reach climate mitigation goals by 2050. To augment the future Aurora injection site and expand CO2 storage in the northern Horda platform of the North Sea, the region’s potential must be assessed. Here, we leverage the latest wellbore and seismic data to map storage aquifers, identify structural traps, and assess possible top and fault seals associated with Lower and Upper Jurassic storage complexes in four major fault blocks. Our results indicate that both storage complex aquifers are preserved throughout the study area. From our minimum size criteria, we have identified a total of 95 Lower and 64 Upper Jurassic traps representing approximately 2.37 × 1010 and 5.80 × 1010 m3 in gross rock volume, respectively. Mapping, modeling, and formation pressure analyses suggest that top seals are sufficiently thick over the majority of structural traps and provide vertical pressure barriers between storage aquifers. Across-fault juxtaposition seals are abundant but dominate the Upper Jurassic storage complexes. Lower Jurassic aquifers, however, are often upthrown against Upper Jurassic aquifers, but apparent across-fault pressure differentials and shale gouge ratio values >0.15 correlate, suggesting fault rock membrane seal presence. Aquifer self-juxtapositions, however, are likely areas with poor fault seal. Overall, our work provides added support that the northern Horda platform represents a promising location for CO2 storage expansion, carrying the potential to become a future storage hub in the North Sea.

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