A Preliminary Assessment of Rio Bonito Formation (Paraná Basin,Brazil) Suitability for Co2 Storage

Abstract

Brazil presents a great potential for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects due to the various exploited oil and gas reservoirs on its coast, with many possibilities to replicate the results of the ongoing commercial project of carbon dioxide (CO2) injection in the Lula oilfield. However, the distances from main sources of CO2 emissions and the lack of sufficient transport infrastructure impose significant barriers for CCS deployment related to power plants and industrial activities. The Paraná Basin has a strategic location for onshore geological carbon storage in Brazil due to the proximity to a large concentration of CO2 stationary sources. This work presents an initial assessment of Rio Bonito Formation sandstones suitability for CO2 storage. Main parameters and properties related to reservoir quality, sealing quality and other leak risks, data coverage, regional proximity analysis, and social context analysis were compared to desirable characteristics for site selection. The analysis suggests a good potential of petrophysical available data for storage capacity and indications of effective containment of the injected CO2 due to the presence of mudstone layers. However, it is required further characterization of the geological system and trapping mechanisms and assessments of public perception on CCS in the region.