Significant hydrocarbon accumulations in the offshore Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia, remain largely undeveloped due to elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide(CO_(2)), nitrogen(N_(2)), and hydrogen sulfide(H_(2)S),which co...Significant hydrocarbon accumulations in the offshore Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia, remain largely undeveloped due to elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide(CO_(2)), nitrogen(N_(2)), and hydrogen sulfide(H_(2)S),which compromise commercial viability and have delayed field development. Addressing these constraints requires the deployment of technically robust and environmentally sustainable CO_(2) management strategies. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage(CCUS) offers a comprehensive solution by enabling the redirection of captured CO_(2) for enhanced oil recovery(EOR), industrial reuse, or permanent geological sequestration, supporting both resource recovery and long-term emissions mitigation.Building upon earlier pre-screening assessments, this study re-evaluates the CO_(2) storage potential of selected sites in the Gulf of Gabes, with a focus on informing integrated utilization and storage frameworks. Based on geological, logistical, and socioeconomic criteria, the Fd1 Field within the Hasdrubal development area was selected as a prime candidate. A multi-scale assessment approach was applied to characterize the geological context, reservoir properties, containment integrity, and injection feasibility. The Eocene El Garia Formation within Fd1 Field, composed of thick-bedded nummulitic limestones, was identified as the most suitable reservoir for sequestration. It offers favorable characteristics in terms of porosity(10 %–26 %), permeability(40–100 mD), adequate structural thickness, and effective sealing by the overlying caprock. A key contribution of this study lies in the integration of regional geological screening with advanced 3D coupled flow-geomechanical simulations, the first of its kind in Tunisia's offshore domain. The simulation workflow evaluated pressure evolution, CO_(2) plume migration, mechanical stability, and long-term seal integrity over a 30-year injection period. Results indicate that up to 16.5 million metric tonnes of CO_(2) can be safely injected at a daily rate of 1.174 Mm^(3),with pressure buildup remaining within acceptable thresholds and no caprock failure observed. Overall,the findings demonstrate the technical feasibility and containment reliability of CO_(2) storage in the El Garia Formation. The study establishes Fd1 Field as a strategic CCUS site and provides a transferable methodology for evaluating CO_(2) storage potential in fractured carbonate reservoirs across North Africa and comparable offshore settings.展开更多
文摘Significant hydrocarbon accumulations in the offshore Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia, remain largely undeveloped due to elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide(CO_(2)), nitrogen(N_(2)), and hydrogen sulfide(H_(2)S),which compromise commercial viability and have delayed field development. Addressing these constraints requires the deployment of technically robust and environmentally sustainable CO_(2) management strategies. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage(CCUS) offers a comprehensive solution by enabling the redirection of captured CO_(2) for enhanced oil recovery(EOR), industrial reuse, or permanent geological sequestration, supporting both resource recovery and long-term emissions mitigation.Building upon earlier pre-screening assessments, this study re-evaluates the CO_(2) storage potential of selected sites in the Gulf of Gabes, with a focus on informing integrated utilization and storage frameworks. Based on geological, logistical, and socioeconomic criteria, the Fd1 Field within the Hasdrubal development area was selected as a prime candidate. A multi-scale assessment approach was applied to characterize the geological context, reservoir properties, containment integrity, and injection feasibility. The Eocene El Garia Formation within Fd1 Field, composed of thick-bedded nummulitic limestones, was identified as the most suitable reservoir for sequestration. It offers favorable characteristics in terms of porosity(10 %–26 %), permeability(40–100 mD), adequate structural thickness, and effective sealing by the overlying caprock. A key contribution of this study lies in the integration of regional geological screening with advanced 3D coupled flow-geomechanical simulations, the first of its kind in Tunisia's offshore domain. The simulation workflow evaluated pressure evolution, CO_(2) plume migration, mechanical stability, and long-term seal integrity over a 30-year injection period. Results indicate that up to 16.5 million metric tonnes of CO_(2) can be safely injected at a daily rate of 1.174 Mm^(3),with pressure buildup remaining within acceptable thresholds and no caprock failure observed. Overall,the findings demonstrate the technical feasibility and containment reliability of CO_(2) storage in the El Garia Formation. The study establishes Fd1 Field as a strategic CCUS site and provides a transferable methodology for evaluating CO_(2) storage potential in fractured carbonate reservoirs across North Africa and comparable offshore settings.
