SHORT COURSES 

20 October 2025

Workshop Course: Effective CO2 subsurface storage and utilisation by understanding coupled thermo-hydro-chemical-mechanical processes

(Reviewed by the EC and included in the official EAGE course portfolio)

Instructed by Eric Mackay (Heriot-Watt University)




About the instructor

Eric Mackay holds the Energi Simulation Chair in CCUS and Reactive Flow Simulation in the Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering at Heriot-Watt University, where he has worked since 1990. His research interests include the study of fluid flow in porous media, such as the flow of oil, gas and water in subsurface geological formations. He has over 100 publications related primarily to maintaining oil production when faced with mineral scale deposition, but since 2005 he has also worked on Carbon Capture and Storage. He is involved in projects identifying methods for calculating secure CO2 storage potential in saline formations and depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Overview 

The course discusses the various objectives of subsurface injection of CO2 in hydrocarbon bearing formations, in aquifers, and in combined systems, and how the effectiveness of delivering on these objectives may be assessed. Specifically, the following topics will be covered: CO2 displacement in a porous medium, assessment of pressure management and saturation profiling, the impact of prioritizing hydrocarbon recovery or carbon sequestration, and the trade-offs and potential synergies between the two. Evaluating the risks for CO2 storage is a key aspect in determining the technical viability of such projects. This course will explain coupled phenomena in terms of i) impacts on hydrocarbon displacement, ii) reservoir conformance and iii) storage integrity by discussing the principles of coupled processes affected mainly by changes in pressure, temperature and geochemistry in subsurface formations. These changes will affect flow and transport as well as geochemical integrity and impact the long-term predictability of hydrocarbon recovery and CO2 conformance and containment. Through this course you will learn how coupled processes are implemented in real-world CO2 storage projects to assess related risks. You will gain an understanding of the coupled processes in CO2 storage reservoirs to make your own assessment of short to long-term risks for reservoir performance prediction and CO2 containment, and you will obtain an introduction into the fundamental coupled processes expected to occur in the subsurface.

Participants’ profile 

The course is designed for geoscientists and engineers working in the emerging low-carbon energy sector, the oil and gas sector, technical service companies and research organizations.

Course Outline: 

Upon completion of the course, participants will have an impression of risks associated with coupled thermos-hydro-chemical-mechanical processes in the CO2 storage reservoir as well as the cap rock. These can range from pressure management versus mechanical implications, from geochemical changes affecting flow or thermal and pressure affecting faults and fractures.

08:00AM - 08:55AM Registration & Welcome Coffee

08:55AM - 09:00AM HSSE From Hotel

09:00AM - 10:30AM Session 1:  Introduction to CCUS and Understanding the Fluids

10:30AM - 11:00AM Morning Coffee Break

11:00AM - 12:20PM Session 2:  Plume Management

12:20PM - 01:20PM Lunch Break - Horizon Restaurant

01:20PM - 02:50PM Session 3:  CO2 EOR and Pressure Management

02:50PM - 03:20PM Afternoon Coffee Break

03:20PM - 04:50 PM Session 4:  Introductory Geochemistry and Halite Management

Workshop Course: Navigating the Complexities of Project Delivery in CCUS Projects

(Reviewed by the technical committee)

Instructed by Dr. Hooman Haghighi & Suhail Diaz Valderrama (Wood)



About the instructor

Suhail is an energy professional with 25 years of extensive experience in oil & gas, strategy, decarbonization, sustainability, and new energies. Suhail has gained rich international and multicultural experience serving in Latin America, the North Sea, and Middle East markets with proven experience as a business consultant, and successful track record of identifying and executing innovative solutions that encompass the entire energy value chain. She holds an MBA, MSc in Petroleum Production Engineering, Specialization in Reservoir Engineering and a BSc in Chemical Engineering in addition to numerous licenses and certifications relating to her passion in the energy transition domain (EMP, LCA, H2, GRI, etc).Suhail is credited with many publications as part of SPE Board Committees in the UAE, acting as Chair of Gaia and Sustainability communities, leading a MENA Hydrogen Working Group, and actively participating in global and regional events as a paper author, technical committee member, speaker, moderator, and mentor. Suhail has different roles in important companies in the region and recently joined Wood as the Director – Future Energy – Middle East in the Abu Dhabi office, with the role to drive and direct a world class team to help customers deliver their decarbonisation aspirations and goals here in the region.



About the instructor

Dr Hooman Haghighi is a prominent industry leader in engineering and decarbonisation solutions, highly experienced in providing consultancy services across the energy and materials markets to major industrial partners around the globe.Based in the UK, Hooman is the first or co-author of over 40 refereed journals, publications, and industry guidelines, primarily concerning hydrogen, carbon capture, and storage (CCS) – two of the world’s fastest-growing energy transition solutions. With a Ph.D. in petroleum engineering, his career is marked by involvement in energy, energy transition and decarbonisation projects worldwide, serving as the Technical Authority for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Hydrogen, and Flow Assurance. Additionally, as the “UK Expert” at the British Standard Institution (BSi), he is involved in the development of European and British Standards for CCS. Hooman is now responsible for the definition and application of solutions in the decarbonisation and energy transition space, identifying opportunities for clients in the race to achieve net zero.

Overview 

Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) projects are complex and costly, requiring substantial financial incentives to be economically viable. Despite significant investment, some operational CCS projects face criticism due to underperformance, highlighting the need for improvements in system design and operation. Moving toward CCUS hub projects, where multiple emitters share transport and storage infrastructure, can reduce costs and create commercial value, but also introduces unique challenges for capturing and transporting CO2 from several sources.

Effective management of CCUS projects relies on strong stakeholder engagement, transparent communication, and proactive risk control. Project managers must align objectives across diverse participants and ensure compliance with shifting regulations. Resourcing is equally demanding, requiring a multidisciplinary team with expertise in engineering, geoscience, digital tools, and commercial strategy.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to CCUS, covering primary and emerging capture technologies, CO2 transport by pipelines, shipping, and batching, as well as storage in aquifers and depleted reservoirs. It emphasise maintaining system integrity and overcoming the operational challenges of safe and efficient CO2 management. Participants will gain foundational knowledge needed to understand and work with the core elements of CCUS projects.

Key topics include CO2 modelling, thermodynamics, flow assurance, and compliance with current industry standards. The course also addresses cross-chain issues such as cost estimation, risk, safety, and the use of advanced digital tools in system design. Real-world examples from global projects delivered by Wood provide practical insights, equipping learners to navigate both the technical and commercial complexities of delivering effective CCUS solutions.

Participants’ profile 

The short course is designed for technical audiences, including CCS project developers, engineers, CCS specialist, process, flow assurance, transport, finance, project managers, and operations professionals who want a understanding of the CCS project life cycle, key challenges, and opportunities to shape the future of CCS projects.

Course Outline: 

Morning Session 9:00AM - 12:00PM

9:00AM - 9:20AM Safety track record of CCS projects

9:20AM - 9:40AM Global & Regional CCS Perspective

9:40AM - 10:00AM Industrial Cluster Definition & KSA Locations 

10:00AM - 10:30AM Complexities in Managing CCUS Projects 

10:30AM - 11:00AM Coffee break 

11:00AM - 11:40AM Case Study: Typical Industrial Cluster Schematics / Gas Phase Gathering Pipeline 

11:40AM - 12:00PM Challenges- CCS Projects & examples 

12:00PM - 12:20PM Q&A/ Discussion (20-30 mins)

12:20PM - 1:20PM Lunch Break (1 hour)

Afternoon Session 1:00PM- 4:00PM

1:20 - 2:50PM CCS Hub Projects – The role of CO2 specifications for successful project delivery (90 mins)

2:50PM - 3:20PM Coffee break

3:20PM - 4:00PM The role of digital solutions to accelerate and enabling CCS projects 

4:00PM - 4:20PM Lessons Learned 

4:20 - 4:35PM Q&A/ Discussion 

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