Introduction to the Groningen static reservoir model

Abstract

The assessment of the seismic hazard and risk associated with the extraction of gas from the Groningen field involves a chain of modelling efforts. The first step is a description of the 3D distribution of reservoir properties in the reservoir - the static reservoir model - and is the subject of this paper. Consecutive steps in the chain of models are described elsewhere in this volume. The construction of a static reservoir model is not strictly a scientific endeavour, but many of the applied modelling techniques are underpinned by extensive scientific research. This paper aims to give a general introduction to the approach followed by NAM to build static models for the Groningen field. More detailed accounts of the applied modelling techniques, the assessment of associated uncertainties or the usage of multiple modelling scenarios are beyond the scope of the current paper, but are referenced in the text.