Coupled dynamic flow and geomechanical simulations for an integrated assessment of CO₂ storage impacts in a saline aquifer

Pore pressure variation resulting from geological CO₂ storage may compromise reservoir, caprock and fault integrity. Therefore, we investigate the mechanical impact of industrial-scale CO₂ storage at a prospective Danish site by coupled 3D hydro-mechanical simulations carried out by two independent modelling groups. Even though the two chosen modelling strategies are not identical, simulation results demonstrate that storage integrity is maintained at any time. Vertical displacements are mainly determined by hydraulic fault conductivity influencing spatial pore pressure elevation. The introduced fault zone implementation in the hydromechanical model allows for localization of potential leakage pathways for formation fluids along the fault plane.