Geological sequestration of CO₂ in a spin e aquifer is a serious undertaking, similar to upstream/downstream energy capital projects. It is a stage gated process; requiring focused decisions and corresponding resources at each stage. 

KEY INSIGHTS & LEARNINGS

1. Need to establish stage-gated process that looks at types of data (geological, site, social & regulatory data)
2. At earliest stage, there is a little or no data hence risk is high, bit with subsequent data risk is reduced
3. The level  and details of analysis increase as more and more data is available
4. Stage gated process starts with "site screening" of large basins and areas for CO2 injection ending in "selected areas."
5. "Selected areas" are further de-risked as more data becomes available and acquired and ends up as "Potential Sites"
6. "Potential sites," undergo detailed geological characterization with in depth site , social and regulatory data and become "Qualified sites.'
7. "Site Screening" is a critical first step that focuses on storage formation; screening essentially the storage formation for

• Adequate depth to be away from underground drinking water aquifers and achieve super critical condition for injection usually below 800 meters
• Ensure that basic seismic data clearly confirms the confining zone or seal so no CO2 leaks
• Has suitable reservoir characteristics (porosity, Net-to-gross, thickness, area and saturation) to adequate;ly store commercial CO₂ volumes 
• No detailed modeling is done at this stage
• Site screening is limited to regional/proxmal areas