Geomechanical Feasibility Analysis of CO2 Storage in Offshore Malaysia

This technical report presents a geomechanical feasibility analysis for CO2 storage in offshore Malaysia, specifically focusing on the Sarawak Basin. The study aims to identify and rank potential storage sites in saline aquifers, utilizing a novel geomechanical screening method. The authors collected existing logs and downhole stress and pressure measurements to construct 1D mechanical earth models for three strategically located wells. The current stress state in the area is characterized by a strike-slip regime, with a mean orientation of maximum horizontal stress determined from borehole breakouts. The analysis reveals that shear stress levels and pressure room values are within acceptable ranges, indicating a low risk of CO2 leakage through the caprock. The report emphasizes the importance of conducting a comprehensive geomechanical assessment before detailed characterization, highlighting the potential risks associated with CO2 injection, including microseismic events and mechanical deformation. The findings support the viability of the proposed geomechanical screening method for preliminary evaluations of CO2 storage sites.