Makinde Oluwapelumi OLUwaFeranmi 

MSc research

An integrated approach towards de-risking CO2 sequestration in the Mari-B gas field, Levant Basin, offshore Israel

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, are causing global warming by releasing climate-forcing gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) into the Earth's atmosphere. To lessen the impact of global warming and climate change, we need to decrease the amount of these gases released in the air. One promising technology for mitigating these climate-forcing gases, addressing global warming and climate change, involves the geological storage of CO2. Despite uncertainties, there is substantial global capacity for storing CO2 deep underground in geological environments such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, deep coal seams, and deep saline formations. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs, specifically, are estimated to possess a storage capacity ranging from 675 to 900 gigatons of CO2 (Benson et al., 2005), One of such depleted gas reservoir is the Mari-B gas field in the Levantine Basin, offshore Israel. In 2022, Israel emitted 56.12 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial activities, excluding emissions from land use (World data, 2023). The implementation of carbon capture and storage is feasible in the depleted Mari-B reservoir.

The anticipated CO2-retention times are also critical in determining the suitable reservoir for storage. To offset the greenhouse effect, the injected CO2 must remain underground for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. As a result, the residence times of the brines, reactivity with minerals present in the reservoir, the integrity of the reservoir cap rocks, and the presence of structures that could either promote or prevent CO2 leakage are of the utmost importance.

 The proposed methodology includes geological modeling and lab-scale simulations to address the challenges associated with the long-term storage of CO2 in the Mari-B mound complex. The objective is to assess and mitigate risks through sedimentological, petrophysical, mineralogical, and geochemical characterization of the reservoir and seal unit. Importantly, this approach is new and specifically looks at using the Mari-B mound as a possible place to store CO2 in the Levant Basin off the coast of Israel.

This study aims to contribute valuable insights by determining the mineralogy and reactivity of the Mari-B mound with CO2. Its significance lies in filling the gap in existing research, as no prior studies have centered on the assessment of CO2 storage potential in the Levant Basin offshore Israel. Beyond its immediate implications, this research is crucial for reducing atmospheric CO2 levels, thereby combating the effects of global warming in Israel. Furthermore, it serves as a potential model for future studies, providing a foundation for sustainable carbon reduction strategies.