CO2 storage – from flow physics to geophysics

The goal of this course is to review the main concepts involved in the engineered geological storage of CO2 in saline aquifer formations, focusing on the trapping mechanisms. The scientific basis for storage will be evaluated alongside the real-world experience from earlymover industrial-scale projects. This foundation will be used to critically assess methods for estimating storage capacity, using the well-documented Sleipner site and a key case study.

We will then go on to assess the key constraints for achieving the storage volumes needed over the project’s timeframe, looking at the basics of well injectivity, geomechanical limits and pressure evolution. We will explore how real projects work within the framework of the CO2 phase diagram using analytical approaches for understanding pressure evolution.

Finally, we review the main geophysical monitoring methods used to validate and verify storage, exploring how smart and cost-effective monitoring could or should be implemented. The geophysical methods reviewed will include conventional seismic acquisition, passive seismic data, fibre-optic sensing, geochemical detection and remote sensing. The ‘look into the future’ aims to inspire the next generation of storage proejcts with high-end and yet cost effective solutions for monitoring measurement and verification (MMV).

Review the main trapping mechanisms for storage of CO2 in saline aquifers
Understand how to estimate CO2 storage capacity
Appreciate the key engineering constraints to storage (i.e. injectivity, geomechanics and pressure limits)
Discover how geophysical monitoring is used to assure safe storage
Look into the future of emerging monitoring technologies (e.g. DAS, passive monitoring, remote sensing)

The course is mainly targeted at professional earth scientists or engineers already familiar with exploration and development workflows typically used in hydrocarbon field developments or other geo-energy resource systems (e.g. groundwater and heat).

New graduates at Masters’ level (geoscience or subsurface engineering) should also find the course beneficial. The course is pitched at an intermediate to advanced level and is not suitable as a basic introduction to CCS.

This course will be taking place on 28 April 2026, starting at 9:00 BST and will end around 13:00 BST, depending on audience participation.

Joining details will be sent out the day prior, alongside any course materials that may be needed.

Philip Ringrose, FGS

Philip is Professor in Energy Transition Geoscience at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) as part of the Centre for Geophysical Forecasting. He has published widely on CO2 storage technology, reservoir geoscience and flow in rock media, and has recently published the textbooks How to Store CO2 Underground (2020) and Reservoir Model Design (2021) with Mark Bentley. He previously worked for Equinor on many CCS projects and hydrocarbon field developments. He was appointed as the 2024 Distinguished Instructor for the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. He a member of the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters (DKNVS) and the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences (NTVA).

Early-Bird Fees (Until 28 February 2026)

Fellow £170.10

Non-Fellow £341.10

Student Member £53.10

Student Non-Member £107.10

Corporate Patron £170.10

GSA Member £204.30

Partner £289.80

Standard Fees (After 28 February 2026)

Fellow £189

Non-Fellow £379

Student Member £59

Student Non-Member £119

Corporate Patron £189

GSA Member £227

Partner £322

The Geological Society of America (GSA) members discount

We offer a generous 40% discount off our Non-Fellow rate to members of the Geological Society of America (GSA). A discount code must be quoted on the registration form in order to take advantage of the discount. If you are a member of GSA and do not have the discount code, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk with proof of your membership.

Group discounts

We offer competitive group discounts on all Training Courses:
5 – 9 delegates: 20% off
10 – 14 delegates: 25% off
15 delegates or more: 30% off

For more information on how to access the Group Discount, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk

Concessions

We offer students a generous discount. Please verify your student status by either registering with your student email address, or uploading a photograph of your student identification/acceptance letter.

The Society offers a limited number of concessionary rates for those in financial hardship. Contact training@geolsoc.org.uk (Please note you may be required to provide details/evidence to support your application for this.)

If you require an invoice to register for this course, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk

Registration will close 24 hours before the event takes place.