Protocol for modeling integrated CO2 geological storage hubs in offshore environments

Abstract

The development of effective protocols for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is essential to advancing climate change mitigation strategies. This paper presents an integrated protocol tailored for evaluating the feasibility and implementation of offshore CO2 storage hubs, incorporating the TERES Protocol (Technological, Environmental, Regulatory, Economic, and Social dimensions). The methodology integrates expert-based risk weighting, multidimensional indicators, and comparative benchmarking with international CCS initiatives. By applying this framework to the Merluza Field in the Santos Basin, the study highlights how comprehensive risk assessment and multidimensional analysis can guide successful CCS projects. Key findings emphasize the importance of leveraging existing infrastructure to reduce costs, the need for rigorous well integrity measures, and continuous regulatory alignment. The application of the protocol revealed a predominance of high-priority risks in regulatory, technological, and economic dimensions, reflecting the challenges of CCS deployment in emerging contexts. The risk assessment, employing a weighted scoring system, identified well integrity and infrastructure suitability as top priorities, requiring focused mitigation strategies. The study underscores the value of integrating historical data and advanced modeling techniques for accurate reservoir behavior predictions and economic planning. Additionally, stakeholder engagement and robust environmental monitoring were emphasized to ensure minimal ecological impact and foster public trust. The protocol demonstrated adaptability for application in diverse geological and infrastructural contexts, supporting the scalability of CCS initiatives globally. This study provides a reference model that promotes safe, economically viable, and socially responsible CO2 storage solutions, contributing to long-term sustainability and alignment with climate targets.