Carbon Management and Storage for Oltenia: Tackling Romania’s Decarbonization Goals
Liviu Dumitrache, Silvian Suditu, Gheorghe Brănoiu, Daniela-Doina Neagu, Marian Dacian Alecu
Abstract
This paper presents a numerical simulation study evaluating carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) feasibility for the Turceni Power Plant in Oltenia, Romania, using the nearby depleted Bibești-Bulbuceni gas reservoir. A comprehensive reservoir model was developed using Petrel software, integrating geological and reservoir engineering data for the formations of the Bibești-Bulbuceni structure, which is part of the western Moesian Platform. The static model incorporated realistic petrophysical inputs for the Meotian reservoirs. Dynamic simulations were performed using Eclipse compositional simulator with Peng–Robinson equation of state for a CH4-CO2 system. The model was initialized with natural gas initially in place at 149 bar reservoir pressure, then produced through depletion to 20.85 bar final pressure, achieving 80% recovery factor. CO2 injection simulations modeled a phased 19-well injection program over 25 years, with individual well constraints of 100 bar bottom-hole pressure and 200,000 Sm3/day injection rates. Results demonstrate successful injection of a 60 Mt CO2, with final reservoir pressure reaching 101 bar. The modeling framework validates the technical feasibility of transforming Turceni’s power generation into a net-zero process through CCS implementation. Key limitations include simplified geochemical interactions and relying on historical data with associated uncertainties. This study provides quantitative evidence for CCS viability in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, supporting industrial decarbonization strategies. The strategy not only aligns with the EU’s climate-neutral policy but also enhances local energy security by repurposing existing geological resources. The findings highlight the potential of CCS to bridge the gap between current energy systems and a sustainable, climate-neutral future.