Abstract

The Bureau of Energy Management (BOEM) has assessed the Vermilion Leasing Block in the Central Gulf of Mexico continental shelf for carbon storage potential in depleted petroleum fields. In their study, BOEM identified the 4-way closure of Vermilion 39 block as a potential storage site based on petroleum production history. Our project presents a detailed subsurface characterization of the Vermilion 39 field with numerical simulations to more accurately assess the storage performance of the field. Additionally, we propose a high-value saline reservoir storage target in the Vermilion block, that was not considered by BOEM. This potential site is located in low-dip undeformed sediments in the Vermilion blocks 55-56 and 67-68. We present both sites as high-value targets for commercial carbon storage that could be developed by operators in the region. Both sites were characterized using 3D seismic survey and well data to identify potential storage complexes and map their structure. These interpretations were then used to build geologic models and conduct numerical simulations of CO2 injection through the TOUGH3 codes. Finally, infrastructure and economic assessments were performed to determine the commercial viability of CCS projects at both sites. Numerical simulation results suggest that the 4-way closure of Vermilion 39 could potentially hold upwards of 50 million metric tons of CO2 primarily utilizing structural and stratigraphic trapping. We determined that the greatest risks at this site are in leakage through legacy wells. Simulation results suggest that the saline reservoir storage play could also store 50 million metric tons of CO2 utilizing capillary and residual trapping to stabilize the post-injection CO2 plume. At this location, the greatest risks are in the reservoir quality of the target units. Our results indicate that the sites selected could store commercially viable volumes of captured CO2, offsetting the cost of transport and capture, and potentially running a profit through currently available 45Q tax credits. We present two high value targets for commercial carbon storage development in the Gulf of Mexico including a depleted reservoir play and a novel saline reservoir play. We present this research to encourage further development of commercial carbon storage in the Gulf of Mexico at these sites in the Vermilion block or at other sites with similar geology.

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