ETH develops software for monitoring CO2 reservoirs

(CONNECT) Post-doctoral researcher and Pioneer Fellow Edoardo Pezzulli from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH) has developed software that makes it possible to continuously monitor carbon dioxide storage in reservoirs and reduce the risks involved. According to a press release, the mathematician is now striving to bring his technology to market maturity. To this end, he founded the start-up Storra Dynamics GmbH with mechanical engineer Michael Liem.

"Anyone who stores CO2 bears social responsibility," Pezzulli is quoted as saying in the press release. "The plants must be safe for generations to come. With our monitoring system, we want to prove that the risks are limited and that operation at the highest safety level is possible." This is because there are geological uncertainties with this type of storage. The first step is to analyze how much carbon dioxide can be injected into the site, and then the stored gas can be monitored to ensure that it remains sequestered. The newly developed software will then work like a digital twin by simulating the pressure, temperature and load conditions in the storage facility.

Pezzuli is currently involved in the CITru pilot and demonstration project in the municipality of Trüllikon. Under the direction of ETH Zurich, the feasibility of injecting carbon dioxide through a disused borehole created by Nagra (National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste) is being examined. The scientist is responsible for the risk assessment and the development of the monitoring plan. ce/eb