Induced seismicity risk management in geological CO₂ storage

Abstract

CO₂ injection into deep saline aquifers may cause formation pressure buildup. People have concerns on induced seismicity due to fault reactivation resulting from the pressure buildup. Pressure buildup is a function of CO₂ injection rate and volume, as well as reservoir property such as porosity and permeability. This paper presents a brief review of induced seismic monitoring in the large-scale CO₂ storage projects, two in North America and one in Japan. We also introduce a unique traffic light system for induced seismicity risk management, securing the CO₂ injection safety and assisting risk communication and community engagement.