Grant: Alliance Grants

The current move towards Energy Transition is facing key challenges specifically related to energy storage and carbon sequestration. Geological systems such as salt caverns, depleted reservoirs, and aquifers have been proposed for storage of renewable energy. The proposed research program aims at 1) assessing the risks, 2) optimizing engineering design, and 3) developing safe and optimum operational guidelines for storing hydrogen (H2) in salt caverns. The research will conduct state-of-the-art laboratory experiments and modelling studies to evaluate geochemical reactions, transport phenomena, and geotechnical stability under subsurface storage conditions. The research program will conduct systematic laboratory experiments on downhole core samples from Lotsberg Salt Formation to measure H2-rock interactions under storage conditions. Special laboratory setups will be designed and built to visualize and measure transport of H2 through salt rocks and its geochemical reactions under in-situ rock stress, fluid pressure, and temperature conditions. In parallel with the field and laboratory research, theoretical models will be developed to simulate H2 transport and reactions. Three PhD and one MSc students, and one postdoctoral fellow will be trained to conduct the proposed research tasks in close collaboration for with the industry sponsors. It is expected that the proposed research will lead to practical guidelines and protocols for optimum design and operation of underground storage facilities for safe and efficient storage of H2. Utilization of the Canadian underground formations for energy and carbon storage can accelerate the global and national move towards a low-carbon economy.