Of the many methods that have been proposed to reduce the amount of CO₂ released to the atmosphere, geological storage of CO₂ is starting to be tested in projects worldwide. Widespread deployment of such technology will depend on gaining acceptance for the technology from stakeholders, including its long-term performance and environmental impacts. Performance assessments of geological storage systems need to be based on a systematic approach so that they can be demonstrated to be comprehensive. The basis of such assessments is a comprehensive and transparent database of Features, Events and Processes (FEPs) that are relevant to the behaviour of CO₂ in geological storage systems.

Quintessa has developed an online FEP database for the long-term performance of storage systems following sealing of the injection boreholes. The database is also accessible via the International Energy Agency (IEA) greenhouse gas web site.

The database currently includes around 200 FEPs in a hierarchical structure, with individual FEPs grouped into eight categories. Each FEP has a text description and an associated discussion of its relevance to long-term performance and safety. Key references from the published literature are included together with hyperlinks to other relevant sources of information (reports, websites, maps, photographs, videos, etc.).

The generic FEP database is intended to be the first stage in developing a FEP-based auditing capability for more detailed project-specific FEP databases. At present there are no project specific FEP databases in the system, but the capability is present in the software and these may be added in future.

Use of the online FEP database is free, and users are encouraged to provide feedback on how it has been applied and how it can be improved. For further information please contact Richard Metcalfe, download the overview document or visit the online FEP database site.