CO2 Sequestration in the Powder River Basin: Wyoming CarbonSAFE Geologic Modeling and Dynamic Reservoir Simulation Results
Presented by:
John Templeton
Geoscientist, University of North Dakota Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC)
11:30 Reception | 11:45 Lunch | 12:00 Talk
Rock Bottom Brewery-Banquet Room
1001 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80265
Abstract
Wyoming CarbonSAFE is a DOE-funded initiative to accelerate CCUS (carbon capture, utilization, and storage) commercialization and deployment at the Dry Fork Power Station near Gillette, Wyoming. Led by the University of Wyoming Center for Economic Geology Research (CEGR), the goal of the project is to finalize site characterization and complete Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI permits to inject up to 50 Mt of CO2 over 30 years into deep saline reservoirs, the Minnelusa and Hulett Formations. The Hulett is a nearshore marine sand with facies belts that strike along a paleo shoreline trend. The Minnelusa is a more complicated system of mixed aeolianites and shallow marine carbonates, capped by an angular unconformity. To date, completed work by CEGR and project partner the University of North Dakota Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) includes: regional subsurface geologic characterization and static 3D geologic model construction (integrating well log, core and engineering data from two stratigraphic test wells, petrophysics, and seismic data); dynamic reservoir simulation of CO2 injection using CMG software; and determination of the area of review (AOR) and plume stability, based on simulation results. This talk will briefly review the geologic characterization and modeling work and present workflows and results from two different approaches to determining the AOR as well as plume stability analysis, both of which are critical pieces of a Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality UIC Class VI permit application.
Biography:
Dr. John A. Templeton is a Senior Geoscientist at the EERC, where he employs his expertise in well log interpretation, seismic interpretation, geomodel construction and exploration geology workflows as a project integration specialist. In this role, he interfaces with a diverse team of scientists and engineers to assess project uncertainties in oil and gas development and geologic CO2 storage, including developing geologic models of the subsurface and performing regional geological characterization, integrating multiple diverse datasets. Prior to working at the EERC, Dr. Templeton worked for ConocoPhillips in the international and Lower 48 exploration teams, helping develop a new strategy for unconventional (tight reservoir) exploration and leading teams tasked with assessing prospects across the Rocky Mountain and Gulf Coast regions. He also has experience as a development geologist in the Permian basin. Dr. Templeton holds a Ph.D. degree in structural geology and tectonics from Columbia University, an M.Div. degree from Wake Forest University, and a B.S. degree in Geology and Chemistry from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Dr. Templeton’s principal areas of interest and expertise include structural geology, tectonics, sedimentology and stratigraphy, geophysical interpretation, and exploration geology. His research areas include subjects ranging from Basin and Range tectonics in Nevada, to Caledonian tectonics and sedimentology in Scotland and Norway, to advanced geophysical analysis of seismic attribute (frequency decomposition) volumes, and CSS plume stabilization. John also has a passion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work and serves on the DEI committee at the EERC.
Registration is open until 10:00 am, Friday, October 21st
This is an in-person and online event!
The cost is $30.00 for current members and $40.00 for non-members ($10 of which pays for an annual membership in the RMS-SEPM). Web only registration is $15.00. Unemployed individuals may sign up for lunch for just $20.00. Students may sign up for lunch for $20.00. Persons who do not wish to have lunch are welcome for a $20.00 fee. Walk-ins may purchase a lunch for the standard fees ($35.00 or $40.00) although quantities are limited. Walk-ins without a lunch are charged a $10.00 fee.
Please submit reservations by 10:00 a.m. the Friday before the talk.
Reservations may be secured online or by e-mail at information@rmssepm.org