Geostock Sandia LLC: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Geostock Sandia LLC is an engineering and geological consulting firm specializing in underground storage and subsurface injection/disposal services. Established in 1996 as Sandia Technologies, LLC, the company merged with Geostock US, LLC in 2016 to form Geostock Sandia, LLC. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Geostock Sandia operates primarily in North America and Mexico, offering comprehensive solutions for underground energy storage and subsurface injection projects.

Mission and Vision

Geostock Sandia's mission is to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible underground storage and subsurface injection solutions. The company aims to be a leading provider in North America, leveraging its expertise to support the energy sector's storage and disposal needs.

Primary Area of Focus

The company's primary focus includes:

Underground Storage Solutions: Utilizing salt caverns, mined caverns, and porous media storage (depleted oil and gas fields, aquifers) for the storage of natural gas, crude oil, chemicals, and gas liquids (NGL, LNG, LPG, CNG).

Subsurface Injection and Disposal: Designing and managing injection wells for industrial waste, brine disposal, CO₂ enhanced oil recovery (EOR), sequestration wells, and gas storage wells.

Regulatory and Technical Services: Providing regulatory permitting, advocacy, expert witness services, no migration petitions, due diligence, acquisition technical support, project management, site supervision, and engineering and field well drilling/workover services.

Industry Significance

Geostock Sandia plays a crucial role in the energy sector by ensuring the safe and efficient storage and disposal of hydrocarbons and other substances. Its expertise supports energy companies in meeting regulatory requirements and operational challenges associated with underground storage and subsurface injection.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Safety and Environmental Responsibility: Prioritizing the safety of operations and minimizing environmental impact through responsible storage and injection practices.

Regulatory Compliance: Assisting clients in navigating complex regulatory landscapes to achieve and maintain compliance.

Operational Excellence: Delivering high-quality engineering, construction, and operational services to ensure the integrity and efficiency of storage facilities.

Areas of Specialization

Hydrocarbon Storage: Designing and managing storage solutions for natural gas, crude oil, and gas liquids.

Industrial Waste Disposal: Developing subsurface injection systems for the disposal of industrial waste and brine.

CO₂ Sequestration: Implementing CO₂ injection wells for enhanced oil recovery and long-term sequestration.

Key Technologies Utilized

Geological Modeling: Employing advanced geological modeling techniques to assess storage site suitability and design optimal storage solutions.

Reservoir Simulation: Utilizing reservoir simulation tools to predict fluid behavior and ensure the safety and efficiency of storage operations.

Injection Well Design: Applying specialized engineering methods to design and construct injection wells that meet regulatory standards and operational requirements.

Primary Markets Targeted

Oil and Gas Industry: Providing storage and injection solutions for upstream and downstream operations.

Chemical Manufacturing: Offering storage options for chemicals and gas liquids.

Energy Sector: Supporting energy companies with CO₂ sequestration and enhanced oil recovery projects.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Specific details regarding Geostock Sandia's funding history, total funds raised, and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. As a subsidiary of Geostock, which is part of the Vinci Construction Grands Projets group, Geostock Sandia's financial activities are integrated within the parent company's financial structure.

Notable Investors

Geostock Sandia is a subsidiary of Geostock, which is 90% owned by Vinci Construction Grands Projets and 10% by TotalEnergies.

Utilization of Capital

While specific utilization details are not publicly available, it is typical for companies in this sector to allocate capital towards:

Research and Development: Innovating new storage and injection technologies.

Operational Expansion: Enhancing operational capabilities and expanding service offerings.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to evolving environmental and safety regulations.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Geostock Sandia's pipeline development focuses on:

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Implementing CO₂ injection projects to increase oil recovery rates.

CO₂ Sequestration: Developing long-term CO₂ storage solutions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Stages of Development

Feasibility Studies: Assessing geological suitability and regulatory requirements.

Design and Engineering: Creating detailed plans for storage facilities and injection systems.

Construction and Commissioning: Building and initiating operations of storage sites.

Target Conditions

Enhanced Oil Recovery: Utilizing CO₂ injection to improve oil extraction from mature fields.

CO₂ Sequestration: Storing CO₂ in geological formations to reduce atmospheric emissions.

Anticipated Milestones

Regulatory Approvals: Securing necessary permits and approvals for project initiation.

Operational Start: Commencing injection and storage operations.

Monitoring and Reporting: Implementing systems for ongoing monitoring and compliance reporting.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Geostock Sandia utilizes proprietary technologies in:

Geological Assessment: Advanced techniques for evaluating storage site suitability.

Injection Well Design: Specialized methods for designing and constructing injection wells.

Significant Scientific Methods

Reservoir Simulation: Modeling fluid behavior to optimize storage and injection processes.

Geomechanical Analysis: Assessing the mechanical properties of geological formations to ensure structural integrity.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, the company likely employs data analytics and modeling tools to enhance project design and monitoring.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Sylvain Riba: President and CEO. With over 20 years of international experience in the energy industry, including roles at TotalEnergies, Mr. Riba leads Geostock Sandia's strategic direction.

Daniel Collins: Vice President of Geosciences. Mr. Collins oversees geological assessments and reservoir simulations, contributing to the company's technical expertise.

James Cron: Vice President of Engineering. Mr. Cron is responsible for engineering operations, ensuring the design and implementation of effective storage and injection systems.

Leadership Changes

In 2016, Geostock Sandia was formed through the consolidation of Sandia Technologies, LLC and Geostock US, LLC. Donald Stehle, former President and CEO of Sandia Technologies, was appointed President and CEO of the newly formed entity.

Market and Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The underground storage and subsurface injection market is influenced by:

Regulatory Changes: Evolving environmental and safety regulations impact project feasibility and design.

Technological Advancements: Innovations in storage and injection technologies enhance efficiency and safety.

Environmental Concerns: Growing emphasis on CO₂ sequestration and sustainable practices drives demand for storage solutions.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the underground storage sector include:

Geostock: A global leader in underground energy storage, offering comprehensive services from consulting to operation.

Lummus Technology: Provides engineering and technology solutions, including storage and injection services.

WSP: Offers engineering services with a focus on environmental and energy sectors.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Geostock Sandia collaborates with various industry partners to enhance service offerings, including:

Geostock Group: As a subsidiary, Geostock Sandia benefits from the group's global expertise and resources.

geostock-sandia-llc