Underground Storage of Associated Gas in the Niger Delta: Initial Results and Learnings from a Case Study

Given the challenge of environmental and production sustainability for a new oil field development that lacks access to a gas market in the shallow offshore area of the Niger Delta, this paper presents a case study of temporary underground storage of associated gas (AG) in a virgin gas reservoir. Unlike the more common underground AG reinjection and/or storage projects in depleted oil or gas reservoirs, this case-study is unique for its innovative use of a virgin gas reservoir, especially offshore Niger Delta. We present initial performance and surveillance aspects of the well, reservoir and pipeline network involved in accomplishing the underground AG storage. By analyzing field data, including injectivity indices and reservoir pressure trends, this case study offers actionable insights for the effective design, execution, and management of gas storage operations in similar fields elsewhere. This work underscores the technical and environmental benefits of temporary underground gas storage as a viable solution for routine gas flaring, reduction of carbon emissions and improved sustainability of developed and producing oil fields that lack access to ready gas infrastructure for monetization.