CMWR XVI CO2-PENS: A CO2 SEQUESTRATION SYSTEM MODEL SUPPORTING RISK-BASED DECISIONS

The injection of CO2 into geologic repositories for engineered storage (i.e., sequestration) will require a robust science-based decision framework that can address issues of risk, cost, and technical feasibility at all stages of the sequestration process. We describe such a framework that is being used to guide the development of a system model called CO2-PENS. CO2-PENS is capable of performing stochastic simulations to address uncertainty in different geologic sequestration scenarios, including injection into poorly characterized target reservoirs such as brine aquifers. Results and observations from process level laboratory & field experiments, numerical simulations, economic data, and risk theory are being used to support the system level model that will be the basis for decision making. Despite its early state of development, the current version of CO2-PENS is already proving to be useful in showing complex interactions between the different components of the framework. CO2-PENS also provides a consistent platform to document decisions made during the site selection, implementation, closure and post-closure periods. 1