Investigation and Optimization of Large-scale Hydrogen Storage in Lotsberg Formation

当前的能源转型面临着与能源储存和碳封存特别相关的关键挑战。已经提出了诸如盐穴、枯竭的水库和含水层等地质系统来储存可再生能源。拟议的研究计划旨在1)评估风险，2)优化工程设计，3)制定安全和最佳的盐穴储氢(H2)操作指南。这项研究将进行最先进的实验室实验和模型研究，以评估地下储存条件下的地球化学反应、传输现象和岩土稳定性。该研究计划将对洛茨堡盐岩地层的井下岩心样品进行系统的实验室实验，以测量储存条件下的氢气与岩石的相互作用。将设计和建造特殊的实验室装置，以可视化和测量氢气通过盐岩的传输及其在原地岩石应力、流体压力和温度条件下的地球化学反应。在现场和实验室研究的同时，将开发理论模型来模拟氢气的传输和反应。三名博士生和一名硕士研究生以及一名博士后研究员将接受培训，以便与行业赞助商密切合作，进行拟议的研究任务。预计拟议的研究将为安全和有效储存氢气的地下储存设施的最佳设计和操作制定实用的指导方针和协议。利用加拿大的地下岩层进行能源和碳储存可以加速全球和国家向低碳经济的转变。

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.