Speaker

Dr. Ahmad Khanifar is the subsurface Manager within PETRONAS's Carbon Management Division, where he leads the development of storage strategies for regional CCS hubs across Malaysia. With over 23 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Dr. Khanifar is a Staff Reservoir Engineer known for his expertise in reservoir modeling, numerical simulation, and IOR/EOR studies. His current focus is on advancing decarbonization projects, where he plays a critical role in addressing complex challenges through integrated field and storage development plans. An active contributor to the field, Dr. Khanifar shares his insights through publications and presentations at international SPE conferences.

Talk Description

The urgent need to address climate change has driven a global effort to reduce CO2 emissions, with CCS emerging for achieving decarbonization goals. This lecture provides an overview of decarbonization, emphasizing practical insights from case studies. It begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of CCS and the science behind CO2 sequestration. Key success factors for CCS projects are identified, along with the challenges encountered during implementation. The presentation distinguishes between Field Development Plans and Storage Development Plans, both essential for effective project planning and execution. 

Through a series of CCS case studies, the lecture explores crucial aspects such as storage containment, capacity, geomechanics, geochemistry, infrastructure integrity, and the repurposing of existing structures. It also delves into the critical components of MMV to ensure the efficacy and safety of CO2 sequestration efforts. Real-world examples and outcomes from these case studies provide valuable lessons and best practices. Key takeaways emphasize the necessity of a thorough understanding of both subsurface and surface environments, supported by skilled and experienced resources for effective CO2 sequestration. Long-term security and storage site conformance remain significant uncertainties that can be mitigated through comprehensive geomechanics studies. A site-specific MMV plan is crucial for the economic viability and success of CCS projects. 

Additionally, integrating advanced technologies is vital for developing techno-commercial CCS solutions. In conclusion, this presentation synthesizes these insights to guide future CCS projects, highlighting the importance of a deep understanding of both technical and practical aspects of CO2 sequestration for successful decarbonization efforts.

What you will leave with (our promise):

• CCS value chain and the core science behind CO₂ sequestration (what makes storage work in practice).

• Key success factors that consistently determine CCS project viability (technical + execution).

• Practical lessons from real CCS case studies — what worked, what didn’t, and the patterns you can reuse on future projects.

• Learn where advanced technologies can materially improve techno-commercial CCS solutions (and where they don’t).

• Understand the logic of an MMV plan (Monitoring, Measurement & Verification): what to monitor, why, and how it supports safety and economics.

This talk is being delivered via SPE International Distinguished Lecturer Program that brings outstanding speakers to local section meetings while recognizing the professional contributions of the selected lecturers. Funded primarily by the SPE Foundation (with support from Offshore Europe and AIME) and enabled by participating companies, it advances SPE’s mission to share knowledge and strengthen professional competence toward a safe, secure, and sustainable energy future.