Abstract
We analyze the prospects of CO2 storage in deep saline reservoirs. Our analysis indicates that the outlook for this method of CO2 storage is favorable. Although this is a subjective assessment, we attempt to clarify the factual trends underpinning this perspective. This includes the robust trend in growth of natural gas demand, severity of the sour gas problem, precedence in governmental action in the form of fiscal deterrents to CO2 emissions and stimulants for geological storage, and the large footprint of deep saline reservoirs.
It is therefore not surprising that the few industrial-scale projects implemented for direct storage of CO2 in geological formations all adhere to the same blueprint – sour gas fields in relative proximity of deep saline or bottom-water reservoirs, developed in countries where government is adopting a proactive approach to curbing CO2 emissions, by levying tax and by assuming the long-term liability of these projects.
