Comparison of geomechanical deformation induced by megatonne-scale CO2 storage at Sleipner, Weyburn, and In Salah
The economic and political viability of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is dependent on the secure storage of CO2 in subsurface geologic reservoirs. A key leakage risk is that posed by geomechanical deformation generating fractures in otherwise sealing caprocks. This study examines this risk, comparing and contrasting deformation induced at three large-scale CCS sites—Sleipner (Norwegian North Sea), Weyburn (Canada), and In Salah (Algeria). These sites show very different geomechanical responses, highlighting the importance of systematic geomechanical appraisal prior to injection, and comprehensive, multifaceted monitoring during injection at any future large-scale CCS operations.