Comparing methods for the estimation of CO2 storage capacity in saline aquifers in Germany: regional aquifer based vs. structural trap based assessments

Estimates of CO2 storage capacity are often based on regional aquifer assessments. In Germany however, capacity estimations have been based on the assessment of individual traps also. For method comparison, a new nationwide capacity assessment was performed, using the 'regional aquifer based' method. This assessment yields a capacity of 20.4 - 115.3 Gt, which is higher than earlier 'trap based' estimates. Results for the Middle Buntsandstein in the North German Basin yield 6.6 - 41.8 Gt for the regional-and 4.8 - 9.7 Gt of storage capacity for the trap based method, with a less distinct range of uncertainty for the latter. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier.