Studio preliminare per la valutazione della fattibilità di un progetto di CO2-ECBM nel bacino carbonifero del Sulcis

Nowadays CO2 geological storage represents a valuable alternative to reduce greenhouse gases release into atmosphere. Correct identification of the location for a suitable reservoir is a complex decisional process because it must consider a great number of criteria mainly concerning environmental, geological and economical aspects. The variety and variability of these parameters make each evaluation unique and, for this reason, it is not advisable for the decision maker (DM) using only his own experience rather it would be advisable the use of a decision support system (DSS). In the carbon sequestration research field, the combination of DSS and GIS technologies allows the realization of powerful tools able to identify and solve technical problems and to evaluate both technically and economically different alternatives in order to assure the right balance between the success of the project and its environmental sustainability. The main objective of this research work was to propose a novel approach for the assessment of the pre-feasibility of a CO2 geological storage within Sulcis Coal Basin coal seams (Italy, SW Sardinia) with enhanced coalbed methane recovery (ECBM). All the techniques developed to assess suitable reservoirs, to perform the in-situ characterization and to evaluate “Sulcis” coal required a complex of studies and laboratory tests. All methods and results are introduced and discussed within this PhD thesis.