Integrity of Seals in Subsurface Energy Applications

Summary Subsurface energy applications involve withdrawal or injection of fluids into the subsurface. Maintaining the integrity of wells and top seals, which provide the containment for extracted or injected fluids, is of critical importance for the safety and success of subsurface energy applications. Production- and injection-induced stress changes can threat the integrity of subsurface. We present a case study of geological CO2 storage in a depleted gas reservoir to demonstrate that fluid production or injection in a multi-compartment reservoir can amplify the geomechanical impact on reservoir seals. Further, we discuss the underutilized potential of natural in-situ sealing formations for well plugging and abandonment.