Bangladesh could be a #regional hub for CO2 sequestration. As the largest delta system in the world, the Bengal delta represents the world's thickest sedimentary sequences (Few sub-basins exceed 20 km). A thick pile of good-quality reservoir sandstones was deposited where thick caprock shale has been trapped in the reservoirs. Discoveries of several onshore gas fields (27) indicated the reliability of sealing potentials. However, our offshore blocks are still under-explored, which requires a strong move to deal with the energy crisis we are facing now. This is a different discussion point which is not the aim of this blog.
In this era of the #energy transition, geological storage of CO2, which is called #CCS, will be the focus of this discussion. I will also not focus on being too technical about CCS; instead, I want to make it a general discussion so that it will not be difficult to understand for anyone. However, if anyone is interested in global warming, please watch the video below:
Let’s jump into the topic. IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) states we can not tackle tipping points, irreversible climate change with damaging properties, and humans without CCS. The world is worried and trying hard to be carbon neutral by 2050 to stop that irreversible change. However, most of the CCS and CCUS initiatives are taken by developed western countries, but as we live in the same world, we have to solve it globally.
As the eighth largest population in the world, Bangladesh needs to be proactive. Additionally, Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries due to climate change. Therefore, Bangladesh has to start considering reducing its greenhouse gases. Maybe we are not prepared for it now, but we must start soon. The sooner, the better. We need a long-term plan and CCS framework to deal with this issue. We should start our dialogue now to avoid potential damage in the future.
As we are one of the most densely populated countries in the world, we should not risk injecting CO2 onshore though onshore basins also have enormous opportunities with thick piles of sandstone reservoirs and caprock shale. However, we can use our huge offshore basin not only to inject our emissions but also as a regional CCS injection hub such as for south and south-east Asia countries' emissions. We need detailed technical analysis and CCS regulations for our offshore basins to achieve this. Additionally, to prove the offshore Bengal basin as a potential storage hub, a demonstration pilot project requires where the abandoned Sangu gas field can play a vital role.
The Sangu field is located in the central-eastern part of the Hatiya Trough at the western extremity of the Chittagong Tripura Fold Belt (Imam and Hussain, 2002). It was the first offshore gas field to be developed in Bangladesh and was discovered in 1996 with a calculated initial confirmed GIIP of 1612 BCF (Cairn Energy, 1998). The Sangu field is situated in Block SS 04 (Petrobangla, 2016), in the east of the Bay of Bengal, about 45 km southwest of Chattogram and approximately 90 km southwest of Mirersarai industrial park (Figure 1).
The Mirsarai Economic Zone is a planned industrial park that is being developed to promote economic growth and create employment opportunities in Bangladesh. The zone is expected to host a wide range of industries, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and light engineering. While the development of the Mirsarai Economic Zone will undoubtedly bring economic benefits to the region, it is important to consider the potential environmental impact of the industries that will be established there. One way to mitigate the carbon emissions from these industries is through the use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, for which the offshore Sangu gas field could potentially serve as a site for CCS in this context. Carbon dioxide from industrial processes in the Mirsarai Economic Zone could be captured and transported via pipeline to the Sangu gas field for storage.
The offshore area of the Bay of Bengal, particularly the Sangu gas field, presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to explore the potential of CCS technology. The geological formations in the Bengal offshore have the potential to store CO2 captured from industrial processes. More detailed geological studies and modeling are required to determine the feasibility of CCS at the Sangu gas field. Geoscientists can play a significant role in making it happen. If you are interested, you can read another blog titled 'Role of a geoscientist in CCS' https://www.blog-beyond.com/post/role-of-a-geoscientist-in-ccs
Despite many challenges, there is a significant opportunity for CCS in the Bengal offshore, with the Sangu gas field serving as a potential pilot demonstration project. CCS has the potential to enable Bangladesh to meet its climate targets while supporting economic growth and energy security. Moreover, CCS can create new job opportunities, attract new investments, and contribute to developing a more sustainable and low-carbon economy. With the right policies and incentives in place, CCS could be an important tool in transitioning to a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future for Bangladesh.
If you agree with this concept, please #speak up. We need more voices to have #sustainable #people-centric development. If you want to write and share anything, this platform welcomes you as a #writer. Please feel free to connect and let me know your wish.
