Multiphysics modeling of CO2 sequestration in a faulted saline formation
in Italy
N. Castelletto, P. Teatini, G. Gambolati
Dept. of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering,
University of Padova, Padova, Italy
D. Bossie-Codreanu, O. Vincké, J.-M. Daniel
IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rueil-Malmaison, France
A. Battistelli, M. Marcolini
RISAMB Department, Saipem S.p.A., Fano (PU), Italy
F. Donda, V. Volpi
Italian National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics (OGS), Sgonico (TS), Italy
The present work describes the results of a modeling study addressing the geological sequestration of
carbon dioxide (CO2) in an offshore multi-compartment reservoir located in Italy. The study is part of
a large scale project aimed at implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology in a power
plant in Italy within the framework of the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR). The processes
modeled include multiphase flow and geomechanical effects occurring in the storage formation
and the sealing layers, along with near wellbore effects, fault/thrust reactivation and land surface stability,
for a CO2 injection rate of 1x106 ton/a. Based on an accurate reproduction of the three-dimensional
geological setting of the selected structure, two scenarios are discussed depending on a different distribution
of the petrophysical properties of the formation used for injection, namely porosity and permeability.
The numerical results help clarify the importance of: (i) facies models at the reservoir scale,
properly conditioned on wellbore logs, in assessing the CO2 storage capacity; (ii) coupled wellbore-reservoir
flow in allocating injection fluxes among permeable levels; and (iii) geomechanical processes,
especially shear failure, in constraining the sustainable pressure buildup of a faulted reservoir.
