CO₂ Storage
The overarching goals of the division include: the development of methods of reservoir characterization for pre-injection site selection and post-injection predictions of CO2 fate; realization of new effective monitoring of injected/leaked CO2 to help ensure safe and permanent CO2 sequestration; and proposition and realization of innovative carbon storage concepts suitable for geological formations and rock types typical in Japan (i.e. a tectonically active area). To accomplish these goals, we are pursuing fundamental research to elucidate key pore-scale processes that drive effective residual, solubility, and mineral CO2 trapping. We are also developing methods for up-scaling this understanding to inform reservoir-scale predictions.