Geological Carbon Storage Characterization Training Course

Geological Carbon Storage Characterization Training Course

Introduction

Geological Carbon Storage Characterization Training Course is designed to equip professionals with advanced technical knowledge and practical skills for evaluating, characterizing, and managing geological formations suitable for long-term carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage. Participants will learn how to identify suitable storage sites in deep saline aquifers, depleted oil and gas reservoirs, and other potential geological formations using 3D seismic interpretation, well log analysis, reservoir modelling, geological mapping, and subsurface data integration. The course emphasizes the application of modern characterization techniques to assess storage capacity, injectivity, containment security, and long-term storage feasibility.

The program examines CO₂ plume migration, pressure management, fault reactivation risks, reservoir heterogeneity, geochemical interactions, and induced seismicity to strengthen understanding of geological storage performance and environmental protection. Participants will also explore emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in subsurface characterization, digital geological models, advanced simulation workflows, and data-driven storage site screening. The training highlights the importance of regulatory compliance, risk assessment, monitoring, verification and accounting (MRV), and Measurement, Monitoring and Verification (MMV) strategies throughout the carbon storage lifecycle. By the end of the course, participants will be better equipped to contribute to geological storage site selection, feasibility studies, storage resource estimation, project development, and long-term containment planning, supporting the development of safe, sustainable, and commercially viable carbon management and climate technology solutions.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the fundamental principles of geological carbon storage, CCS, CCUS, and industrial decarbonization.
2. Identify and evaluate suitable geological formations for secure and permanent CO₂ storage.
3. Apply advanced subsurface characterization techniques to assess reservoir properties and geological suitability.
4. Interpret 2D and 3D seismic data for structural mapping and storage site evaluation.
5. Integrate well logs, core samples, petrophysical data, and geological models to characterize storage reservoirs.
6. Estimate CO₂ storage capacity, injectivity, and effective storage resources using established assessment methodologies.
7. Evaluate caprock integrity, sealing capacity, fault systems, and stratigraphic trapping mechanisms.
8. Assess reservoir heterogeneity, porosity, permeability, and pressure distribution for storage performance prediction.
9. Analyze CO₂–rock–brine geochemical interactions and their effects on long-term storage security.
10. Apply geomechanical modelling to evaluate pressure buildup, fault reactivation, and induced seismicity risks.
11. Develop geological risk assessment frameworks for containment integrity and leakage prevention.
12. Utilize digital geological models, reservoir simulation, and emerging AI-assisted characterization workflows.
13. Formulate integrated site characterization and monitoring strategies aligned with CCS regulations, environmental safeguards, and Net Zero objectives.

Target Audience

1. Petroleum geologists and exploration geoscientists.
2. Reservoir engineers and subsurface modelling specialists.
3. Geological and geophysical consultants.
4. Carbon capture and storage (CCS/CCUS) project developers.
5. Environmental scientists and climate change professionals.
6. Geomechanics, petrophysics, and reservoir simulation specialists.
7. Energy transition managers and decarbonization strategists.
8. Government regulators, geological survey professionals, and carbon storage policy specialists.

4. Course Modules

Module 1: Fundamentals of Geological Carbon Storage

• Principles of geological carbon sequestration and long-term CO₂ containment.
• Overview of CCS, CCUS, carbon removal, and industrial decarbonization pathways.
• Geological storage options: deep saline aquifers, depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, and other suitable formations.
• CO₂ trapping mechanisms: structural, residual, dissolution, and mineral trapping.
• Storage project lifecycle, site screening, feasibility assessment, and development stages.
• Case Study: Comparing deep saline aquifers and depleted gas reservoirs for a hypothetical industrial carbon storage project, considering capacity, injectivity, and containment requirements.

Module 2: Geological Site Screening and Formation Characterization

• Regional geological assessment and identification of prospective storage basins.
• Stratigraphic analysis, depositional environments, and sedimentary facies interpretation.
• Evaluation of reservoir depth, thickness, continuity, and lateral extent.
• Geological mapping and identification of potential storage complexes.
• Integration of geological, geophysical, and regional hydrogeological datasets.
• Case Study: Screening sedimentary basins for a proposed carbon storage hub and ranking candidate formations against geological suitability criteria.

Module 3: Seismic Interpretation and Subsurface Imaging

• Fundamentals of seismic reflection data for CO₂ storage characterization.
• 2D and 3D seismic interpretation for reservoir geometry and structural mapping.
• Identification of faults, fractures, folds, and stratigraphic traps.
• Seismic attributes and inversion techniques for improved subsurface characterization.
• Integration of seismic interpretations with well data and geological models.
• Case Study: Interpreting a hypothetical 3D seismic dataset to identify structural closures, potential leakage pathways, and suitable injection intervals.

Module 4: Petrophysical Analysis and Reservoir Properties

• Evaluation of porosity, permeability, saturation, and reservoir quality.
• Interpretation of gamma ray, resistivity, density, neutron, and sonic well logs.
• Core analysis and laboratory measurements for rock property characterization.
• Assessment of reservoir heterogeneity, connectivity, and permeability distribution.
• Integration of petrophysical properties into geological and reservoir models.
• Case Study: Using well logs and core measurements to evaluate the storage potential of a saline aquifer and identify high-quality injection zones.

Module 5: Storage Capacity, Injectivity, and Reservoir Modelling

• Methodologies for estimating theoretical, effective, and practical CO₂ storage capacity.
• Assessment of reservoir pressure, permeability, porosity, and available pore volume.
• Injection well placement and preliminary injectivity evaluation.
• Reservoir simulation for CO₂ plume migration and pressure propagation.
• Sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, and storage performance forecasting.
• Case Study: Developing a preliminary storage capacity estimate and evaluating injection scenarios for a depleted natural gas reservoir.

Module 6: Caprock Integrity, Geomechanics, and Containment Risk

• Characterization of caprock lithology, thickness, permeability, and sealing capacity.
• Evaluation of fault transmissibility, fracture networks, and leakage pathways.
• Geomechanical modelling of stress changes caused by CO₂ injection.
• Assessment of fault reactivation, induced seismicity, and pressure-related risks.
• Development of containment risk registers and mitigation strategies.
• Case Study: Assessing the potential for fault reactivation in a hypothetical storage complex and recommending injection pressure limits and monitoring measures.

Module 7: Geochemical Processes and Long-Term Storage Security

• CO₂ dissolution in formation brines and associated geochemical reactions.
• Mineral trapping and the potential for long-term carbonate formation.
• Rock–fluid interactions and their effects on porosity and permeability.
• Geochemical modelling of reservoir fluids, caprock alteration, and mineral precipitation.
• Evaluation of leakage scenarios and long-term containment performance.
• Case Study: Evaluating how CO₂–brine–rock interactions may influence storage security in a sandstone saline aquifer with a carbonate-bearing caprock.

Module 8: Integrated Characterization, Monitoring, and Emerging Technologies

• Integration of geological, seismic, petrophysical, geochemical, and geomechanical datasets.
• Development of static geological models and dynamic reservoir simulation workflows.
• Application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital workflows in site characterization.
• Design of Measurement, Monitoring and Verification (MMV) strategies for plume tracking and containment assurance.
• Regulatory compliance, environmental risk management, uncertainty reporting, and storage site closure planning.
• Case Study: Preparing an integrated characterization and monitoring plan for a proposed CO₂ storage project, combining geological modelling, risk assessment, baseline monitoring, and post-injection surveillance.

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures and presentations.
• Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
• Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
• Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
• Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
• Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
• Expert-led Q&A sessions.
• Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.