Overview
| Project No. | 999 |
|---|---|
| Contract No. | 693JK323N00006-01 |
| Research Award Recipient | Fossil Energy and Carbon Management Forrestal Building 1000 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20585 |
| AOR | Andrea Ceartin Ashley Kroon |
| Researcher Contact Info | Evan Frye evan.frye@hq.doe.gov 202-701-6525 |
| Project Status | Active |
|---|---|
| Start Fiscal Year | 2023 (03/01/2023) |
| End Fiscal Year | 2025 (09/30/2025) |
| PHMSA $$ Budgeted | $2,000,000.00 |
Main Objective
The objectives of this work are:
- Identify and understand existing PHMSA regulatory functions and needs as they relate to characterizing, permitting, and assessing underground natural gas storage (UGS) operations within the subsurface in order to define appropriate metrics relevant to UHS;
- Quantify the suitability of existing UGS facilities (which includes the well and subsurface geologic system) for storing pure and blended hydrogen;
- Characterize operational expectations with emphasis on quantifying risk for H2 resource loss processes, UGS asset degradation, and estimating transient behavior based on geologic and operational conditions.
Public Abstract
Project Description: This project establishes technical criteria for the safe and efficient storage of pure and blended H2 in subsurface geologic reservoirs. By leveraging expertise from DOE's National Laboratory system, the project identifies potential risks and develops mitigation strategies to ensure the reliable and sustainable operation of H2 storage facilities. Underground H2 storage provides a large-capacity, long-duration solution for time-shifting energy from electricity generation, allowing surplus energy to be stored and utilized when consumer demand is highest.
Anticipated Results: This project delivers a comprehensive report that identifies potential sources of H2 resource and storage reservoir loss, assesses the suitability of existing engineered systems for H2 storage, quantifies potential operational challenges during the transition to H2 storage, and develops a framework for forecasting transient operational behavior and end-state performance of H2 storage facilities. In addition, the report provides recommendations for mitigating risks and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of H2 storage facilities.
Potential Impact on Safety: This project enhances H2 storage safety by establishing a strong scientific and technical foundation for underground gas storage (UGS) facilities. The findings help identify potential risks, inform regulatory decision-making, and guide industry best practices. By addressing safety challenges and operational risks, this project ensures that H₂ storage facilities operate securely and reliably, supporting the transition to a H2-based energy infrastructure.