Risk Assessment Using An Adaptive Management Approach to CO2 Storage Projects
As part of the U.S. Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership Program, the Plains CO2 Reduction (PCOR) Partnership is advancing the science of carbon capture and storage (CCS) by conducting large-scale demonstration projects. The PCOR Partnership has observed that every new and existing CCS project presents a set of unique, site-specific challenges based upon varying geologic and operational characteristics. To meet these challenges, the PCOR Partnership has developed an adaptive management approach, a robust and integrated risk management framework that ensures successful project implementation while remaining adaptable to each project's unique attributes. The PCOR Partnership's adaptive management approach allows the site-specific nature of any CCS project to be taken into account and creates a dynamic environment where the risk profile can be regularly reevaluated and changes can be made to other program components to reflect this new risk understanding. This also ensures that the most cost-effective, technically viable, site-specific strategies will be used throughout the life of a project. The PCOR Partnership's adaptive management approach consists of four main components: site characterization; modeling and simulation; risk assessment; and monitoring, verification, and accounting (MVA). Each component is continually evaluated and updated throughout the lifetime of the project, with the results of each evaluation serving as input for the remaining components. This iterative cycle is repeated throughout all project phases, from feasibility study through postclosure monitoring. First, site characterization data are used to populate models and guide simulation activities. A 'fit-for-purpose' strategy is used to build models and run simulations to answer specific questions related to geologic uncertainties and technical risks and to guide monitoring locations and timing. Second, data gathered during site characterization and modeling activities serve as inputs to project risk assessments, with the results helping guide the activities of the former in subsequent iterations. In turn, the risk profile evolves based on increased knowledge and implementation of monitoring and/or remediation strategies. Finally, MVA techniques are selected to address specific geologic uncertainties and technical risks identified by the other components in the adaptive management approach. MVA is used to produce data sets that can guide operational decisions to improve project performance. Thus, the site characterization, modeling and simulation, and MVA techniques deployed will always target relevant technical risks.View/Download Document
Event/Meeting Information
IEAGHG Risk Management & Environmental Research Combined Networks Meeting
9/29/2015
Southampton,