Work Package 4

Work Package 4: Carbon Dioxide Storage Potential 

Since the previous newsletter in May, work on WP4 Carbon Dioxide Storage Potential has continued apace. The overriding aim of NZEC Work package 4 is building capacity in China for evaluating storage potential and performing appropriate first stage site characterisation for site selection.

A successful basin assessment conference was held from 1st-3rd July, jointly organised by NZEC work package 4 with representatives of the COACH (Cooperative Action within Carbon Capture and Storage China-EU) and GeoCapacity projects. This conference was hosted by China University of Petroleum Huadong in Dongying  in the Shengli oilfield, Hebei Province, and drew together representatives from the geological storage work packages of all three projects. 

Methodologies for estimating storage capacities, industrial point sources of carbon dioxide emissions and challenges to carbon capture and storage (CCS) in China were discussed. The main objective of this workshop was to allow partners to share experience gained in these projets and to compare initial results for estimates of storage potential in several areas of Northern China. 

Basin assessment conference, Dongying July 2008

Photo: NZEC, COACH and GeoCapacity project delegates at the Basin Assessment conference hosted at China University of Petroleum (CUP) Huadong in Dongying. Thanks to CUP Huadong for the photo.

Overviews of the three projects and intermediate results were presented for the following areas:

  • NZEC  - Daqing and Jilin Oilfields and saline aquifers of the Songliao Basin (see Figure 1), oilfields of the Jiangsu Depression in the Subei Basin (see Figure 2).
  • COACH - Oilfields of the Dagang oilfield and saline aquifers in the Shengli Oilfield of the Jiyang Depression of the Bohai Basin, and coalfields in the Hebei Province.
  • GeoCapacity - Oilfields in the Jizhong Depression in the Hebei Province of the Bohai Basin.

 Figure 2, saline aquifers in Songliao Basin

 

Figure 1: A schematic cross-section of the Songliao Basin with the principle saline aquifer being investigated by the NZEC team highlighted. Thanks to IGG CAS.

 

 Oilfields in the Subei basin

 

Figure 2: Locations of major tectonic (structural) units and oilfields being investigated within the Subei Basin by the NZEC team. Thanks for China University of Petroleum Huadong. 

 

In addition, case studies of similar studies undertaken in Europe were presented:

  • Danish Basin, Denmark
  • UK Southern North Sea
  • Onshore East Midlands, UK
  • Whole island of Ireland
  • Paris Basin, France
  • Southeast Basin, France

Finally, industrial perspectives on CCS, both internationally and in China were provided by BP Alternative Energy and RIPED, PetroChina.

At this meeting, the interim report on progress in WP4 was also discussed. A final draft was completed by the work package 4 partners illustrating the significant progress made to date by all Chinese partners. This report has now been reviewed by the NZEC Steering Committee and external reviewers.