Evaluation and classification of potential sedimentary basins in Malaysia for carbon dioxide storage

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and classify potential sedimentary basins in Malaysia for carbon dioxide (CO2) storage that includes screening and ranking of potential sedimentary basins based on selected criteria by using parametric normalization, mapping of potential sedimentary basins by using ArcGIS, and finally estimation of theoretical storage capacity and anticipation of potential injection zone based on the basin stratigraphy of the highest potential area for CO2 sequestration. The screening and ranking of potential sedimentary basins was conducted quantitatively by assigning score and weight to each of the screening criteria and analyzed using Excel-based evaluation tools to rank the potential storage sites for CO2 sequestration in Malaysia. The mapping was conducted by using ArcGIS and revealed that 27% of the study area was classified as high potential area, 23% was average potential area, 30% was low potential area, and 20% was classified as no potential area. Based on the screening and ranking results supported by mapping output, detailed assessments on the top two potential basins (i.e. Malay Basin and Central Luconia Province) were conducted qualitatively which comprised the estimation of theoretical storage capacity using methods proposed by CSLF and US-DOE-NETL. From the calculation, the estimated theoretical storage capacity for Malay Basin was approximately 114 Gt (CSLF) and 75 Gt (US-DOE-NETL) while for Central Luconia Province was approximately 84 Gt (CSLF) and 56 Gt (US-DOE-NETL). The potential injection sites for both basins were identified at the depth ranging from 1000 to 1500 m considering they are warm basins. This study can provide a basis for further work to reduce the uncertainty in these estimates and also provide support to policy makers on future planning of carbon storage projects in Malaysia.