GEOZeit
As part of the Helmholtz research project GEOZeit, which supports the advancement of Germany's energy supply through innovative geo-technologies, preparatory work for a potential hydrogen underground storage (UHS) demonstrator is carried out. This research is crucial to investigate the feasibility of hydrogen storage in a saline aquifer, as complementary option to salt cavern storage.
A hydrogen storage demonstrator (HyAquiStore) is being prepared. Various data from the CO2 pilot storage project in Ketzin, Brandenburg (2004-2017) marks the foundation for the assessment of the site suitability for hydrogen storage. The project adopts a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing various spatial and temporal scales and incorporating comprehensive geotechnical analyses.
Laboratory experiments
The petrophysical, geochemical and microbial experiments on rock samples, which represent a potential reservoir for hydrogen storage as well as the cap rock, give answers to questions about the behaviour of the gas in the subsurface as well as potential accompanied fluid-rock-microbes interactions.
- Experiments to determine the transport properties in the pore space and hydro-mechanical properties of the reservoir rock.
- Hydrogen laboratory
- Large Reservoir Simulator – LARS
Computational Modelling
The numerical simulations within the GEOZeit project consider various aspects of subsurface hydrogen storage in saline aquifers. Across various scales, reactive processes occur that are interplaying and potentially influencing the design and operation of a storage facility.
At the micro scale, pore-size simulations are essential for predicting microbial activity, which is crucial for optimizing underground hydrogen storage systems. At the meso scale, core-size simulations support experimental work by testing hypotheses and integrating petrophysical and laboratory data, thereby elucidating fluid dynamics and mass transport within porous rocks. On the macro scale, integrated simulations model gas distribution across the storage site, facilitating the assessment of storage performance and the impact of operational and geological parameters on efficiency and potential losses.
Mineralogical, geochemical and petrophysical investigation
Injected hydrogen can react with the reservoir, caprock and fluids, affecting mineralogy, porosity, and permeability of the rocks and the brine chemistry. To understand these reactions, laboratory experiments will simulate hydrogen injection into porous rocks, and changes will be analyzed through petrographic, geochemical, and petrophysical tests on core samples. This analysis is crucial for effective hydrogen storage and recovery.
Social acceptance
The project balances technical needs with social concerns by involving and informing citizens from the beginning and allow an open and transparent exchange. The former Ketzin CO2 pilot project demonstrated the importance of clear and open communication to address and prevent concerns about new technology within an urban system.