CO2 Pressurisation of a Storage Reservoir does not Lead to Salinization of Shallower Aquifers through Intact Caprocks

Current world-wide scientific activities addressing geological CO2 storage highlight one question of utmost importance for the general feasibility of CO2 storage in saline aquifers: What is the risk for freshwater reservoirs by potential upward brine migration as a result of pressure elevation in the storage formations? A vertical 1D model from reservoir depth to the surface was applied of a prospective storage site in the North German Basin to study the sealing capacity of a multi barrier system. Results emphasize that saltwater does not reach into the groundwater resources through intact caprocks.