A general review of CO2 sequestration in underground geological formations and assessment of depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Niger Delta*

This paper investigates the viability of CO2 storage in geological formations, including depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs applying 3-dimensional seismic and well data of the Niger Delta region as a case study for CO2 sequestration, which represents an essential initiative for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Different theoretical and experimental studies from literature on CO2 sequestration in geological formations across the world, including the Niger Delta, are reviewed. The Niger Delta basin has a high potential for CO2 sequestration, and this indication is shown through the review of research papers undertaken outside and within the basin, which reveal the presence of massive hydrocarbon fields, lateral continuity of reservoir, reservoir-seal pairs, faults, and traps, developed hydrocarbon fields, appropriate reservoir depth. The gaps identified from the review of various research studies are analyzed to form the basis of a future research investigation for capturing, removing, and storing CO2 in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and other geological formations. The authors deduced that accurate injection pressure, rate, and depth estimation are critical factors for CO2 sequestration and need to be thoroughly investigated.