Modeling and experimentation for understanding and quantifying the induced phenomena

Even though the project basically is a feasibility study using engineering methods, such as dimensioning calculations and numerical simulations, ambitious research work will be necessary as well:

• The usual methods for site monitoring and risk assessment must be reviewed in the light of new constraints inherent in this original approach proposed for the CO₂-DISSOLVED project. Innovating solutions for geochemical and geophysical monitoring will be evaluated and tested, both in the field and in the laboratory. A new methodology for risk analysis will be specifically designed and applied, in accordance with the modelled and observed properties of the system as a whole, i.e. capture, injection, CO₂ storage and heat recovery.

• The brine acidified by dissolved CO₂ will be chemically reactive with the mineral phases of the aquifer as soon as it exits the injection well, contrary to the "classic" approach where the reactive acid front follows the extension of the supercritical CO₂ "bubble". Specific work will focus on the "near-well" area, based on new experimental and modelling approaches. An experimental laboratory installation will thus be specifically designed and used for this project.

• Earlier economic models of the CO₂ will be rendered obsolete by the local application of an associated capture-storage and geothermal-heat-production technology to small CO₂ emitters. This will require the development and validation of new economic models that will then be applied to two test cases in France and Germany.