Work

Evaluating the regional geological characteristics of the St. Peter Sandstone and Everton Formation for CO2 storage in Southern Illinois: A case study on site-specific injection feasibility in Washington County, Illinois

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the CO2 storage potential of the St. Peter Sandstone and Everton Formation in Southern Illinois using a multidisciplinary approach that includes geological and petrophysical analysis, seismic evaluations, and reservoir modeling. The primary aim is to understand the geological and petrophysical characteristics of these formations, focusing on their lithology, thickness, and spatial distribution of porosity and permeability. A regional geocellular model identifies key areas with significant CO2 storage potential based on average thickness, porosity, permeability, and brine salinity. The analysis shows that the St. Peter Sandstone is predominantly fine to medium, well-sorted pure quartz sandstone, largely free of clay minerals. The Everton Formation, present mainly in southwestern Illinois, features two layers: an upper dolomite and a lower quartz sandstone layer similar to the St. Peter Sandstone. Regional variations in porosity and permeability are noted, with higher values in west-central Illinois decreasing towards the south. Dynamic reservoir simulations, including a 30-year injection phase and a 50-year post-injection phase through the Lively Grove 1 well, demonstrate the feasibility of annually injecting over two million metric tonnes of CO2. The results highlight west-central Illinois as an optimal location for CO2 storage, advancing carbon mitigation strategies within the Illinois Basin and contributing to global efforts to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. This research underscores the critical role of geological storage in combating climate change, highlighting the indispensable contributions of the St. Peter Sandstone and Everton Formation to carbon storage technology.4

Source: International journal of greenhouse gas control

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijggc.2024.104292

Authors: Mansour Khosravi, Zohreh Askari, Roland T. Okwen, Kendall Taft

Institution: Illinois State Geological Survey

Language: English

Topic: CO2 Sequestration and Geologic Interactions

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,980