WP2Geo-characterisation

D2.1 - Target area of Paris Basin Region (FR): Data inventory, seismic target and GAP analysis

This report presents the CO2 storage area in France to be fully characterised in PilotSTRATEGY and the target for the 3D seismic survey. This report also includes an inventory of available data in the selected area and a gap analysis.

D2.2 Gravimetric Survey: Lopín Structure, Onshore - Ebro Basin, Spain

Within the framework of the project “CO2 Geological Pilots in Strategic Territories (pilotSTRATEGY)”, a gravimetric survey was carried out with the aim of improving the knowledge of the Lopín structure (Ebro Basin ‐ onshore). This gravimetric study, allowed filling the existing gaps of information and represents the first step to carry on the development, monitoring and implementation of this potential Pilot Site.

D2.3 Seismic acquisition for Paris Basin plus survey results and interpretation

This deliverable is a detailed report of the 3D seismic acquisition conducted in the Paris Basin – Grandpuits area for the PilotSTRATEGY project and preliminary seismic interpretation.

A full detailed explanation of the workflow and parameters used for seismic acquisition is presented in the current report. Design, permitting, acquisition, quality control and pre‐processing of the campaign were carried out by Smart Seismic Solutions (S³), third party partner of the project, from December 2021 to July 2022. The acquisition itself (layout of the receivers, vibration, collection of the receivers) took place over a period of only 5 weeks from mid‐May until the end of June.

D2.4 Report on Seismic Reprocessing, West Macedonia

The Mesohellenic Basin (MHB) seismic interpretation study, conducted as part of the Horizon 2020-funded PilotSTRATEGY project, aims to enhance the assessment of the CO₂ storage resource in the area. This work aimed to advance these resources toward contingent status based on available legacy seismic data. Situated in Western Macedonia, onshore Northern Greece, the MHB represents a prominent sedimentary basin within the Tethyan orogenic belt, which is characterised by complex tectonic evolution and sedimentary processes.

The report provides an overview of the basin's geological framework, outlining its geodynamic evolution and stratigraphy. The MHB developed as a piggy-back basin, with stratigraphic formations that include potential reservoir units including the Eptachorion and Pentalophos formations. These units are characterised by turbiditic deposits and significant lithological variations due to tectonic and sedimentary dynamics.

D2.5 Report on Local Seismicity for Lusitanian & Ebro Basins, including Earthquake Catalog

This deliverable reports on the assessment and monitoring of local seismicity in the PilotSTRATEGY target areas of Lopin (Spain) and the Lusitanian basin, offshore from Figueira da Foz (Portugal). Pre-injection monitoring is an essential task for any CO₂ injection project, to establish a baseline of natural and any man-made seismicity (such as explosions associated with quarrying). If CO₂ injection were to induce a seismic event, then knowing the natural pattern and intensity of seismic activity would be essential.

D2.6 Petrophysics Report of all Regions

This deliverable reports on the petrophysical data collected for all sites in France, Spain (offshore and onshore), Portugal and Greece. The source of information and sample gathering can be extremely variable: for France and Spain (onshore), well samples were available from the oil exploration period and in the case of Spain onshore, outcrop samples were analysed as well; in Spain offshore and Portugal, well log data were used essentially together with a few samples; in Greece, outcrop samples were used. For each region, a brief geological description is made to describe the formation target and the general context.

D2.7 Conceptual Geological Models

This report summarises the work conducted as part of work package 2, task 2.3 (Conceptual Geological Models) of the PilotSTRATEGY project that contributed to this Deliverable 2.7, Geological Models of the 3 areas. Much of the data collected in WP2.3 is not included here, but has been passed to PilotSTRATEGY work package 3, for the construction of static and dynamic digital reservoir models for the modelling of CO₂ injection and CO₂ behaviour in the storage complex. The 3 areas concerned in this report (Portugal, Spain, France) have worked semi‐independently on this WP, but with most collaboration between the 2 Iberian countries as the areas share some characteristics. All 3 areas use similar types of subsurface data (though of widely varying vintages and quality), and have utilised analytical techniques that are largely derived from the oil and gas exploration and production industry. With one offshore area, 2 onshore ones, and 1 carbonate reservoir and 2 clastic ones, the challenges of the areas vary considerably. Hence, each area is described separately, though similarities in methods will be seen. The report has a relatively short summary of each area, which is intended to be relatively easily read, followed by a more detailed Annex with a full description of data, methods and a summary of the results.

D2.7 Geological Models Annex (Portugal)

This document aims to provide additional information to complete the deliverable 2.7, task 2.3 of work package 2 (WP2, Geocharacterization) of the PilotSTRATEGY Project. Detailed description of the regional geological framework, including sedimentological, structural, and stratigraphical characterization is presented in section 3 – Regional Geological Characterization. The characterization of the storage complex is presented in section 4 – Storage Complex Characterization, and a comprehensive facies analysis of the reservoir and the seal in section 5 – Facies analysis. Section 6 includes the analysis of some outcrops, and in section 7 – Depositional Environments and Geological Conceptual Model, as a conclusion, the main deposition environments of the area of interest and some notes on the conceptual geological model, are stated.

D2.7 Geological Models Annex (Ebro Basin, Spain)

The study area is situated near the southern edge of the Ebro basin, which is located in the northeastern region of the Iberian Peninsula. In particular, the study area lies near the northern boundary of the Aragonese branch of the Iberian Chain. This basin has a triangular shape and serves as the foreland basin for the Pyrenees, Iberian Chain, and Catalan Coastal Ranges located north, south, and east, respectively. The formation of the foreland basin commenced during the Paleocene, induced by flexural subsidence resulting from the development of these three mountain ranges (e.g. Pardo et al., 2004). Towards the central part of the Ebro Basin, the structure corresponds to a gentle syncline (the Ebro syncline, Quirantes, 1978), which was interpreted, based on surface (mapping and structural data) and subsurface (wells and seismic reflection data) data, as a bending fold that accommodated the slight reactivation of WNW-ESE basement faults originated at the beginning of the Mesozoic extension (Arlegui and Simón, 2001).

D2.7 Geological Models Annex (Paris Basin – Grandpuits, France)

This document aims to provide a summary and guidelines to complete the deliverable 2.7 of the PilotSTRATEGY Project.

The deliverable 2.7 corresponds to the Work Package 2 (Geocharacterization) of task 2.3 ‐Conceptual Geological Models‐. It should materialize the sub task 2.3.2 whose objective is “to develop the geological models for the 3 areas of study; Geological model based on facies analysis from available cores and cuttings, field analogues, log analysis, surface data and depositional environments, integrated with seismic stratigraphic and structural interpretations where available”.

D2.8 Report on Geomechanical results for the 3 areas

This deliverable reports on the geomechanical data collected for all sites in France, Spain (offshore and onshore), Portugal and Greece. The source of information and sample gathering can be extremely variable: for France and Spain (onshore), well samples were available from the oil exploration period; in Spain offshore and Portugal, well log data were used essentially together with a few samples; in Greece, outcrop samples were used. For each region, a brief geological description is made to describe the formation target and the general context.

D2.9 Report of geochemical results for 3 areas

While much work has been carried out investigating the possible chemical reactions between reservoir rocks, cap-rocks, formation brines and injected CO2, the nature of PilotSTRATEGY calls for a site-specific approach to assess the reactivity of the rocks present at each of the proposed pilot sites. Batch experiments were carried out by UEDIN and BRGM on samples from Spain and Portugal and from France, respectively. Flow through experiments were carried out by UEDIN on samples from France, Spain, and Portugal, with complementary flow-through experiments carried out by BRGM on samples from the French site.

D2.11 Report on the regional hydrogeology of the three study areas: Paris Basin – France, Lusitanian Basin – Portugal, Ebro Basin – Spain

This deliverable is part of the geo‐characterization work package (WP2) of PilotSTRATEGY and focuses on the regional hydrogeological systems of each of the three regions selected for full characterization of the storage complex, in the Paris Basin (onshore France), the Lusitanian Basin (offshore Portugal) and the Ebro Basin (onshore Spain). The report provides a description of the regional aquifers (permeable units) within each studied onshore sedimentary basin from the target reservoir to the surface. When the targeted reservoir is located offshore, the review uses the onshore hydrogeological system as a proxy for the offshore storage area.

D2.12 Report on geological map investigation for CO2 storage in West Macedonia

This deliverable includes the results of the geological characterisation of the Mesohellenic Trough (MHT) in Western Macedonia, Greece, conducted within the framework of the PilotSTRATEGY project. The suitability of the basin for CO₂ geological storage is assessed by integrating field, laboratory, and geophysical datasets. The objective was to advance the knowledge on the geological model of the MHT and to identify key risks and uncertainties.

The MHT is a late-orogenic molassic basin of the Hellenides, comprising thick Oligocene-Miocene sedimentary series. Alternating sandstones, conglomerates, and marls dominate the successions forming the primary reservoir-seal system and resting unconformably upon Mesozoic ophiolitic and carbonate basement rocks. The main stratigraphic formations, including the Eptachori, Pentalofos, and Tsotyli, were field surveyed (geological mapping) and documented across nine regions lacking sufficient structural data. Gently dipping beds and limited fault activity, characterise the basin providing a stable structural framework suitable for long-term storage.

Petrophysical, geomechanical, and geochemical investigations were undertaken to evaluate the porosimetry and sealing properties of the rocks. Pentalofos and Eptachori sandstones exhibit porosities up to 10.8% and very low permeabilities (<0.01 mD), while marly intercalations; especially in the Tsotyli Formation, demonstrate high sealing capacity. The thick sandstone-marl alternations define multiple reservoir-seal pairs throughout the stratigraphic column. The geochemical investigation confirmed a significant lithological variability from silica-rich to carbonate-rich units. These alternate across the basin, influencing both reactivity under CO₂ exposure and mechanical strength.

Legacy seismic data were re-processed, significantly improving the subsurface imaging by enabling refined mapping of key horizons and fault geometries. The integration of the interdisciplinary analytical data led to a preliminary conceptual geological model, which was developed outlining the spatial relationships between reservoirs, seals, and potential migration pathways.

Risk assessment identified semi-quantitatively the main geological uncertainties. These include: (i) heterogeneity in sealing units, (ii) variability in reservoir quality, (iii) possible migration or leakage pathways, (iv) injection-induced seismicity, (v) ground deformation and brine displacement, and (vi) long-term geochemical alteration. Although the overall geological framework in the MHT appears suitable for CO2 storage, these risks need further assessment by detailed modelling and ongoing monitoring.

In conclusion, the results of this deliverable establish that the MHT could provide favorable CO₂ storage sites and suggest that subsequent modelling, pilot-scale testing, and risk mitigation strategies are needed. Monitoring of gas migration and long-term geochemical interactions should be prioritized in future work to ensure the safety and durability of CO₂ storage operations in Western Macedonia.

D2.13 Report on storage potential of Upper Silesia

This report summarises the work conducted as part of work package 2, task 2.8 (Storage potential of Upper Silesia region) of the PilotSTRATEGY project that contributed to this Deliverable 2.13, Report of storage potential of Upper Silesia.

Within the framework of assessment of the Upper Silesia region actions in the WP2 included an exhaustive analyses and re-interpretation of available data of the Miocene Dębowiec layers which are molasse deposits (Skoczów Deep Saline Aquifer; DSA) overlying the Upper Silesia Coal Basin of Carboniferous age; and the Jurassic Ładzice Fm (Ładzice DSA). An exhaustive review of existing data allowed the development of a conceptual geological model and the construction of a static model.

Previous research regarding the CO2 storage potential in the Miocene Dębowiec Beds found an estimated static CO2 storage capacity about 46.2 Mt. Here an additional area of approximately 115 km2 named “Kęty”, was identified. The additional potential static CO2 storage capacity was estimated at 14.3 Mt CO2. Finally, the total static capacity of the Skoczów DSA is estimated at about 60.5 Mt CO2 using a storage efficiency factor of 2%. For the Jurassic Ładzice DSA of the Czestochowa District, a static calculation was not made as dynamic simulations were performed as part of PilotStrategy WP3. Based on these simulations, the maximum value of flow rate for injection is 1.25 Mt/year in optimal scenario which gives a maximum potential CO2 storage capacity about 31.3 Mt within 25 years and a range of 29 – 33.5 Mt.

The possibilities of developing CCS in Upper Silesia were analyzed through proposed locations for pilot projects covering the two analyzed potential CO2 reservoirs and selected CO2 emitters. The first potential CO₂ storage site – Ładzice Deep Saline Aquifer – is located approximately 27 km from the Rudniki cement plant and about 60 km from the main emitters, including the iron and steel plant. The proposed location of the second selected pilot project in the Miocene Dębowiec Beds, including the injection well and planned 3D seismic survey area, is approximately 800 m from the location of the Kostkowice agricultural biogas plant.