Unlocking the Future of Carbon Storage with Advanced Monitoring Technologies
As the world accelerates its efforts to combat climate change, innovative energy technology solutions like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) are gaining prominence This groundbreaking initiative blends state-of-the-art chemical tracer technology with rigorous monitoring systems, offering a robust framework for long-term CO2 storage.
Project Introduction
This groundbreaking project has enabled injecting CO2 into deep saline aquifers for permanent storage. To ensure safety, an advanced chemical tracer technology monitors CO2 movement detecting any leaks and pinpointing their source. After CO2 injection, shallow soil sampling wells equipped with the RESMAN High Integrity Detection System (HIDS) were installed around the storage site. The system is designed to detect leaks, with high-resolution detection down to 0.1 parts per trillion (ppt). This reduces the need for large amounts of tracer material, improving system economics and sustainability.
The monitoring system is fully operational at Abu Dhabi’s first CO2 storage site, focusing on soil monitoring near the injection well to verify caprock and well integrity, quantify potential leaks, and pinpoint their source. The monitoring system is designed to provide robust MMV (Measurement, Monitoring and Verification) data for both the operational and the post-injection period, spanning multiple decades and beyond.
Advanced Monitoring as a Cornerstone of Safety
Ensuring the secure containment of CO2 requires sophisticated monitoring systems. The Customer’s comprehensive MMV plan integrates cutting-edge technologies to maintain the integrity of storage operations. Central to this approach is the deployment of chemical tracer technology, which provides unparalleled sensitivity in detecting CO2 leaks. With detection thresholds as low as 0.1 ppt, these tracers enable early identification and mitigation of potential breaches.
Pioneering Technology in Action
The injection well is equipped with permanent downhole gauges and fiber optic cables, enabling continuous data acquisition. During the injection process, chemical tracers are added at regular intervals, ensuring uniform distribution of the tracer in the stored CO2 and enhancing MMV accuracy. The tracer, combined with the RESMAN shallow borehole High Integrity Detection system (HIDS), facilitates the detection of minute CO2 leaks over extended periods.
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
Beyond its immediate operational goals, this major CCS project reflects a strong UAE’s commitment to sustainability. The use of specialized chemical tracers minimizes environmental impact while reducing costs. Moreover, the project aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 target, demonstrating how innovative technologies can drive progress toward global climate objectives.
The initiative also sets a precedent for future CCS projects and provides a blueprint for scalable, secure, and effective carbon storage solutions by combining meticulous planning with cutting-edge technologies. This model holds great promise for replication worldwide, particularly in regions with similar geological conditions.
The Future of Carbon Management
This landmark CCS project in the UAE is more than a technological milestone - it is a testament to the transformative potential of innovative technologies in addressing climate challenges. The project ensures the safe and permanent storage of CO2 by harnessing the power of advanced monitoring systems and chemical tracers, contributing significantly to global climate goals. As the world grapples with the urgency of reducing emissions, projects like this underscore the critical role of technology in shaping a sustainable future and inspiring confidence.
RESMAN provides proven technology for tracer-based MMV of CCS projects and is the only company with over 15 years of continuous monitoring experience in carbon capture projects, providing verification that CO2 stays securely stored. Our tracer technology offers a cost-effective, long-term solution, and delivers key benefits like efficient carbon storage, early leak detection, improved site integrity monitoring, and regulatory compliance
Contact us to learn more about RESMAN’s carbon capture solutions.
This article is based on an SPE paper recently presented at ADIPEC 2024:
Chemical Tracer for Soil CCS Monitoring Application: Monitoring CO2 Storage in Saline Aquifers Using Advanced Chemical Tracer and Detection Technology
Authors: Hiyam Al Muntheri, Adnoc Onshore, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Siqing XU, ADNOC Upstream, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Amer AlHammadi and Zayed Al Shehhi, Adnoc Onshore, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Osama Abazeed, Sven Kristian Hartvig, and Abbay Ghosh, RESMAN, Trondheim, Norway
