Feasibility of CO2 plume geothermal systems in Miocene carbonate reservoirs of Central Luconia province, offshore Sarawak: A systematic review of technologies, challenges, mitigation mechanisms and economic prospects

The advancement of CO2 Plume Geothermal (CPG) technology remains in its early stages, thereby underscoring the need for large-scale demonstration projects to validate its feasibility and overcome technical challenges. Recent studies highlight the potential of CO2 in optimizing geothermal heat production through CPG systems, which ensure long-term utilization for energy production and are three times more efficient than conventional geothermal reservoirs. Research has focused primarily on clastic reservoirs, while this review examines the potential of CPG in carbonate reservoirs. Carbonate reservoirs offer unique opportunities for optimized flow by dissolving carbonate minerals through controlled CO2 injection. The complexity of Miocene carbonate reservoirs in Central Luconia was explored by integrating various reservoir characterization techniques. Findings indicate favourable reservoir characteristics for a functioning CPG system. The proposed reservoir optimization aims to improve permeability, storage capacity, CO2 stability, CPG efficiency, and mitigate geomechanical complications. Compared to global practices, the proposed CPG model for the Central Luconia carbonate reservoir could sequester over 75 gigatons of supercritical CO2 and generate more than 47.0 MW of power per square kilometers for over 25 years. This review addresses efficiency in meeting energy requirements for on-site/offshore CO2 storage, powering nearby communities, and aligning with the net-zero target as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for affordable and clean energy, climate action, and sustainable cities and communities. [Display omitted] •CO2 Plume Geothermal (CPG) technology is 3x more efficient than regular geothermal.•CPG technology addresses clean energy needs, net-zero, and UN SDG 7, 11 and 13.•The potentials and challenges of implementing CPG in carbonate reservoirs are analysed.•Controlled CO2 injection dissolves carbonate minerals to optimize CPG production.•CPG in Central Luconia can store 75 Gt of CO2 and produce 47.0 MW/km2 for 25+ years.