A Technical Feasibility Assessment Using Reservoir Simulation for CO2 Storage in Sarmatian Formations of the Getic Platform, Romania

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) represents a critical technology for achieving climate neutrality targets, particularly for regions with significant industrial CO2 emissions. This study presents a comprehensive numerical simulation assessment of CO2 geological storage potential in the Sarmatian formations of the Getic Platform, Romania, located near the Turceni power plant—one of Europe’s largest thermal power facilities. Using ECLIPSE 300 compositional simulator with the CO2STORE option, we developed reservoir dynamic models incorporating geological properties, fluid characteristics, and pressure–volume–temperature (PVT) data specific to the Sarmatian aquifer system. Multiple injection scenarios were evaluated, including configurations with 3, 4, and 5 injection wells at varying inter-well distances (2000–10,000 m). The simulations covered a 20-year injection period followed by 300 years of monitoring. While previous assessments have provided static capacity estimates for Sarmatian formations, this study presents the first dynamic simulation-based evaluation of multi-well injection scenarios and long-term CO2 trapping behavior in this geological setting, directly linked to the Turceni Power Plant emissions profile. Results demonstrate that the study area (Zone V) can accommodate the target CO2 injection rate of 2.07 × 106 Sm3/day using five injection wells, with final reservoir pressure increasing only 7–9 bar above initial conditions, well below fracture pressure thresholds (~280 bar). Long-term simulations reveal favorable CO2 trapping behavior, with significant portions immobilized through residual and dissolution trapping mechanisms. The static storage capacity was estimated at 2.44 × 1014 kg CO2. These findings support the technical feasibility of large-scale CO2 storage in Romanian Sarmatian formations, providing quantitative evidence for CCS implementation strategies in the region.