Regional search, selection and geological characterization of a large anticlinal structure, as a candidate site for CO2-storage in northern Germany

This paper reports on the regional screening, selection and geological characterisation of a potential on-shore CO₂ storage site (saline aquifer) in north-eastern Germany. The main objective of this study was to identify and investigate a candidate storage site, capable to accommodate the total amount of approximately 400 million tons of CO₂. Such a volume is produced by a modern, lignite-fired power plant within its operation lifetime of approximately 40 years. Within north-eastern Germany, several saline aquifers of Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous age have been evaluated with respect to their regional occurrence, storage potential and basic reservoir properties. Subsequent to a ranking, considering different criteria, the anticlinal structure Schweinrich holding suitable saline aquifers of the uppermost Triassic and lowest Jurassic has been selected from a number of identified candidate sites. According to results of the geological site characterisation, including structural geological investigations and 3D reservoir modelling, the structure Schweinrich seems to be a suitable site for industrial large scale CO₂ storage. Further data acquisition (new wells and 3D seismics) and research (more detailed and comprehensive modelling) is needed in order to prove the structural integrity of the storage site and assure long-term safety.