CO2 storage potential of the Middle Buntsandstein Subgroup - EEZ of the German North Sea

The CO2 storage potential of the Middle Buntsandstein Subgroup within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the German North Sea was analysed within the framework of the GEOSTOR-Project. A total of 71 potential storage sites were mapped based on existing 3D models, seismic and well data. Static CO2 capacities were calculated for each structure using Monte Carlo simulations with 10,000 iterations to account for uncertainties. All potential reservoirs were evaluated based on their static capacity, burial depth, top seal integrity and trap type. Analysis identified 38 potential storage sites with burial depths between 800 m and 4500 m, reservoir capacities (P50) above 5 Mt CO2 and suitable sealing units. The best storage conditions are expected on the West Schleswig Block where salt-controlled anticlines with moderate burial depths, large reservoir capacities and limited lateral flow barriers are the dominant trap types. Relatively poor storage conditions can be anticipated for small (P50 <5 Mt CO2), deeply buried (> 4500 m) and structurally complex potential storage sites in the Horn and Central Graben. For more detailed information on the methodology and findings, please refer to the full publication: Fuhrmann, A., Knopf, S., Thöle, H., Kästner, F., Ahlrichs, N., Stück, H. L., Schlieder-Kowitz, A. und Kuhlmann, G. (2024) CO2 storage potential of the Middle Buntsandstein Subgroup - German sector of the North Sea. Open Access International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 136 . Art.Nr. 104175. DOI 10.1016/j.ijggc.2024.104175