Grant: Alliance Grants

Hydrocarbon extraction generates wealth. It can significantly boost the gross domestic product of a country. But water is also extracted with the hydrocarbons, and is often reinjected into the ground for disposal. Likewise, hydraulic fracturing involves injecting often substantial fluid volumes at high pressures into the reservoir to improve hydrocarbon recovery. Unfortunately, large-scale fluid injection can induce felt earthquakes, potentially leading to the termination of extraction before the full economic potential of a hydrocarbon field has been realized. The objectives of this joint industry-academia project are to (1) advance research into processing and interpretation of microseismic data to enhance treatment efficiency; (2) improve and perform geomechanical modeling, by integrating flow, pressure, strain, stress and temperature data, to gain pertinent insights into subsurface rock behavior during fluid injection; (3) analyze and evaluate advanced geophysical monitoring techniques including low-frequency strain measurements obtained by means of distributed acoustic sensing, and surface displacements mapped using satellites; (4) perform seismic hazard and risk analyses to understand, manage, and mitigate human-caused earthquakes that are potentially felt at the surface; (5) provide world-class training opportunities for highly qualified personnel (HQP); and (6) facilitate and accelerate two-way knowledge and technology transfer between academia and industry. The proposed research will advance scientific understanding, education and technological innovations in subsurface fluid injection and storage, relevant to hydrocarbon recovery and clean-energy solutions, including hydraulic fracturing, salt water disposal, underground storage of CO2, and engineered geothermal systems, by providing pathways to balance the economic viability and environmental effects of fluid injection and storage, thus benefiting society.