Effect of Biogeomechanical Altered Properties on Geologic Carbon Storage
in Unconventional Reservoirs
Abstract
Geologic carbon storage (GCS) is part of a process known as carbon
capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS); being adopted to mollify
extreme weather events (global warming) as a result of CO2 emissions and
improve energy production. Previous studies have shown promising
potentials of permanent CO2 storage in depleted shale reservoirs. In
this study, we experimentally and analytically investigate the impact of
microbially-altered mechanical properties on carbon storage in the
Niobrara shale reservoir, using a cultured solution and shale samples
from Niobrara formation. Firstly, we obtained the properties of the
untreated samples. Secondly, we treated and cultivated the samples with
the cultured solution at specific conditions. Further, we obtained the
new properties of the treated shale rocks. Lastly, we show the impact of
the altered properties on CO2 storage integrity in unconventional shale
reservoirs. Our results suggest that in shale reservoirs,
biogeomechanical alterations can enhance the long-term integrity of
geological sequestration of atmospheric CO2, by mitigating any deep
subsurface potential leakage to the atmosphere.