CASP are delighted to announce the launch of several new research themes addressing the storage of CO₂ in subsurface geological reservoirs.

Our Bunter Sandstone Storage Complex theme concentrates on the primary CO₂ storage reservoir in the Southern North Sea. The theme has launched with seven projects addressing key aspects of bio- and cyclostratigraphic correlations, controls on the variability of reservoir quality, and seal composition and capacity.  The research deliverables from these studies will be directly relevant to the North Sea Transition Authority’s recently announced first round of carbon storage licensing.

In addition, we have launched three generic carbon storage research themes. Given the economic advantages of storing CO₂ close to industrial emitters and existing infrastructure, it is likely that non-ideal, compositionally complex sandstone reservoirs will need to be utilised. CASP’s Reactions and Flow in Immature Sandstones, and Impact of Volcaniclastic Rocks on CO₂ Storage themes, will provide essential insights to aid the prediction of reservoir performance during CO₂ injection.  From an operational and regulatory perspective, seal assurance is critical to the success of any carbon storage project.  CASP’s Mudrock Seals in CO₂ Storage theme will characterise compositional variability at multiple scales and assess its control of mechanical behaviour.  Our chosen study analogue, the Redcar Mudstone Formation within the Cleveland Basin, is also a direct stratigraphic analogue of planned CO₂ storage systems in the North Sea region.

The launch of these research themes represents a significant new commitment by CASP to provide independent geological research to support the global challenge to reach net zero by 2050.

21 July 2022