Abstract In the context of the climate crisis, CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage) technologies are considered pivotal for reducing CO2 emissions from hard-to-abate sectors. As a key player in the global economy, Brazil is committed to lowering its emissions, with geological sequestration of CO2 representing a strategic pathway toward this objective. To enable and support initiatives regarding that matter, the country has made significant progress to establish a robust legal framework for CCUS regulation. In parallel, Petrobras has been leading technical developments, including research activities, site characterization, and the implementation of both pilot and large-scale projects. This study assesses the technical feasibility of geological carbon storage in Brazilian brownfields operated by Petrobras, focusing on mature oil fields and associated saline aquifers. Three regions are assessed for their potential to host CCUS projects: Northern Espírito Santo, Recôncavo Basin in Bahia, and Sergipe-Alagoas Basin. The analysis includes geological characteristics, estimated storage capacities, and operational risks in each area. Northern Espírito Santo stands out due to its well-characterized saline formations and proximity to major CO2 sources. The Recôncavo Basin benefits from extensive geological knowledge and infrastructure, and suitable saline aquifers for long-term CO2 storage. The Sergipe-Alagoas Basin holds significant potential due to its thick, well-sealed aquifers and a strategic location near key industrial centres. Overall, the findings support the development of regional CCUS hubs and demonstrate Brazil's technical readiness to deploy large-scale CCUS solutions, contributing to global decarbonization efforts.
Jesus et al. (Tue,) studied this question.