Advancing the deployment of CO2 monitoring technologies through the Pembina Cardium CO2 Monitoring Project

CO2-enhanced oil recovery projects have been the initial areas of focus for advancing geological storage of CO2 as a key greenhouse gas mitigation option. Canada has provided international leadership through the IEA GHG Weyburn CO2 Monitoring and Storage Project. In late 2004, a CO2EOR flood pilot within the Cretaceous Cardium Formation within the Pembina oil field in Central Alberta was selected as the site for a comprehensive CO2 monitoring program. This pilot, completed in 2008 has tested the deployment of new CO2 flood monitoring tools, allowing for a better understanding of the behaviour of CO2 in the largest conventional reservoir in Canada and one of the largest in North America. The Pembina Cardium pilot has resulted in scientific advances related to the integration of different CO2 monitoring technologies (reservoir surveillance, geochemistry, geophysical, environmental, reservoir simulation). The project's findings will inform new protocols concerning the deployment of downhole technologies in observation wells used for the monitoring and verification of CO2 movement in the subsurface. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.