Numerical Simulations of Carbon Dioxide Storage in Selected Geological Structures in North-Western Poland

Abstract

In this study, dynamic simulation models of CO2 injection into saline aquifers of the Choszczno-Suliszewo structure located in north-western Poland were constructed for two scenarios with different injection rates. The injection rates of 1 Mt CO2/year and 2 Mt CO2/year were analysed for each of the injection wells. Changes in pressures, characteristic for the sequestration process, were analysed; in addition, the spatial distribution of free CO2 saturation in the structure and carbon dioxide dissolved in brine were presented in a graphical form. The observation time of changes occurring in the rock mass in the interval of up to 1,000 years after the completion of injection was assumed. During the modelling of CO2 sequestration in Lower Jurassic aquifers in the Suliszewo model, the previously assumed CO2 injection rates were achieved for both injection scenarios. The observed pressure increase does not pose any threat to the Suliszewo structure tightness. The sequestration process was found to be highly effective due to the phenomenon of the dissolution of CO2 in brine and the resulting convection motion of brine enriched with carbon dioxide. Consequently, there is an increase in CO2 storage capacity and permanent long-term trapping of the injected carbon dioxide. The process of the displacement of injected CO2 from the collector layers to the layers constituting the reservoir sealing was observed. This phenomenon takes place in the upper parts of the Choszczno structure and is caused mainly by the locally occurring worse technical parameters of seal layers in this area.

Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Technology Development in a Region with High CO2 Emissions and Low Storage Potential—A Case Study of Upper Silesia in Poland

“…Two additional emitters expected to be built in the future were also taken into account in the scenario: CCGT New Rybnik (800 MW) and IGCC Łaziska (250 MW). The possibility of CO 2 sequestration in geological formations in the region of Upper Silesia in Poland have been investigated by several authors [26][27][28][29][30][31]. Based on these studies, four possible CO 2 storage sites have been identified, with a total estimated capacity of 111.5 Mt (Table 2).…”

“…Based on these studies, four possible CO 2 storage sites have been identified, with a total estimated capacity of 111.5 Mt (Table 2). The possibility of CO2 sequestration in geological formations in the region of Upper Silesia in Poland have been investigated by several authors [26][27][28][29][30][31]. Based on these studies, four possible CO2 storage sites have been identified, with a total estimated capacity of 111.5 Mt (Table 2).…”

“…In terms of the storage capacity of sites, it is only sufficient for the needs of a single medium-sized emitter in Upper Silesia, e.g., a CHP plant. It should be noted that at present, preliminary studies are being carried out on the use of various transport technologies for additional CO 2 storage sites, e.g., saline aquifers located in other parts of Poland [26] or on the concept of constructing a pipeline over 300 km long to transport CO 2 from a power plant to a depleted natural gas reservoir.…”

Gasification of lignite from Polish coal mine to hydrogen-rich gas

“…The process of decarbonisation of the energy sector in Poland will be long and difficult considering the economic as well as social aspects (Tokarski et al 2021). The application of coal gasification technologies in the Polish energy sector may successfully contribute to facilitate this process (Cabuk et al 2020;Smolinski et al 2021;Park et al 2020) while combined with the CCUS (Urych et al 2022;Zdeb et al 2019;Van Bergen et al 2009;). Bielowicz (2019) presents the deep analysis of the Polish lignite for gasification in the CO 2 atmosphere.…”

“…Nowadays, blue hydrogen is produced by steam reforming of natural gas (Van Dyk et al 2009;Verhelst et al 2011; Polish Hydrogen Strategy to 2030 with the 2040 perspective). Another option of hydrogen production in the midterm of hydrogen economy development is associated with the construction of coal gasification systems which, however, due to their high emission (above 10 kg CO 2 eq/1 kg H 2 ), must be combined with the CCS/ CCUS technologies (Krawczyk et al 2016;Urych et al 2022).…”