scope:

General

This RP defines performance requirements and procedures for the following:

- the selection and qualification of geological storage sites for long-term storage of CO₂

- the documentation of storage site characterization and storage site development plans as a basis for permit applications/reviews

- risk management throughout life cycle of CO₂ geological storage projects, from initial screening and storage site selection through to storage site closure and preparation for post-closure stewardship

- monitoring and storage performance verification

- well assessment and management planning

- storage site closure and preparation for post-closure stewardship.

Where the term CO₂ is used in the guideline, it assumes that carbon dioxide is pressurized; may or may not contain water; exists either as a liquid, super critical fluid or a gas; and also includes carbon dioxide dissolved in water contained in the injection zone.

Qualification requirements

The following qualification requirements are summarized in tables throughout the document:

- Table 4-1: Requirements to potential storage sites that should be included in the screening basis.

- Table 4-3: Requirements to prospective storage sites that shall be included in the appraisal basis (in addition those listed in Table 4-1).

- Table 5-2: Requirements for storage site closure.

- Table 5-3: Requirements for the storage development plan.

- Table 5-1: Requirements for the monitoring plan.

Exclusions

This RP does not include performance requirements or recommended procedures for:

- the selection and qualification of hydrocarbon fields for enhanced recovery by CO₂ injection

- the capture of CO₂ and its transportation from source to storage site

- management of surface facilities and well operations (injection wells, production wells, monitoring wells)

- accounting of CO₂ emissions avoided

- CO₂ injection and storage in un-mineable coal beds, basalt formations, shales, and salt caverns

- underground storage in materials involving the use of any form of engineered containers.

Application

This RP may be applied as a basis for verification and risk-based decision making, including but not limited to:

- guidance and quality assurance of storage site planning and development

- demonstration of compliance with industry best practice

- implementation of regulations

- independent assessment and verification

- stakeholder communication.

The requirements in this RP shall be subordinate to local regulations.