In order to explore alternatives for storing hydrogen, a carbon-free fuel, U.S. scientists are investigating the feasibility of using depleted oil and natural gas wells for this purpose.
Hydrogen storage in oil and gas wells
These reservoirs, once filled with fossil energy sources, could be transformed into hydrogen reservoirs, according to studies by Sandia National Laboratories. The researchers are employing computer simulations and laboratory experiments to determine whether these geologic structures can effectively store hydrogen, which is generated by splitting water using solar or or wind energy.
On the other hand, Tuan Ho, a chemical engineer leading the project at Sandia, highlights the advantages of hydrogen for long-term energy storage. During the summer months, when solar energy production exceeds heating needs, the surplus could be converted to hydrogen and stored until winter. Ho points out that hydrogen, despite being less energy dense by volume compared to fuels such as natural gas or propane, presents challenges in terms of compression and storage.
In addition, although it is possible to store hydrogen in subway salt caverns, the limited availability of such deposits in the United States has led Ho’s team to consider ancient oil and gas fields as alternatives. The study is focused on determining whether the hydrogen would remain confined in the rock or whether there would be a risk of seepage or contamination.
Recently, the results of their research were published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, providing important insights into the interaction of hydrogen with sandstone and shale, common components of these reservoirs.
Scientific studies
Laboratory studies, conducted in collaboration with the University of Oklahoma, showed that although hydrogen is not effectively retained in the sandstone, up to 10% of the adsorbed gas remains within the shale, which is a positive finding for subway storage.
However, the team also discovered that injecting hydrogen into depleted natural gas reservoirs can release residual natural gas, contaminating the extracted hydrogen with trace amounts of carbon. This interaction could generate carbon dioxide emissions when using hydrogen, a factor that requires attention to minimize environmental impact.
As for future research, more study is needed to understand how microorganisms and other chemicals in oil and gas reservoirs might interact with stored hydrogen. These findings will be crucial for designing large-scale field tests, such as those planned in the SHASTA project, which will seek to demonstrate the viability of these storage methods to support a hydrogen economy. hydrogen economy more sustainable hydrogen economy.
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Source: elperiodicodelaenergia.com
Photo: Shutterstock
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