Investigating the Synergistic Impact of CCUS-EOR

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) represents a critical technological pathway for global carbon emission reduction. CCUS-enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology is the most feasible CCUS technology demonstrating dual benefits of enhanced energy production and carbon reduction. This study comprehensively described the key influencing factors governing CO₂-EOR and geological storage and systematically analyzed reservoir properties, fluid characteristics, and operational parameters. The mechanisms of these parameters on EOR versus CO₂ storage performance were investigated throughout CCUS-EOR processes. This paper proposes a coupled two-stage CCUS-EOR process: CO₂-EOR storage stage and long-term CO₂ storage stage after the CO₂ injection phase is completed. In each stage, the main control factors impacting the CO₂-EOR and storage stages are screened and coupled with rigorous technical analysis. The key factors here are reservoir properties, fluid characteristics, and operational parameter. A novel CCUS-EOR synergistic method was proposed to optimize the lifecycle performance of dual objective of EOR and storage. Furthermore, based on multi-objective optimization, considering the lifecycle, a multi-scale techno-economic evaluation method was proposed to fully assess the CCUS-EOR project performance. Finally, a set of recommendations for advancing CCUS-EOR technologies by deploying multi-factor/multi-field coupling methodologies, novel green intelligent injection materials, and artificial intelligence/machine learning technologies were visited.