The project H2_ReacT researches fundamental aspects of the geological storage of hydrogen. The project aims to derive experimental data on the kinetics of chemical reactions and microbial processes as well as on transport mechanisms of molecular hydrogen in deep geological systems under in-situ conditions.

Due to the lack of reliable data on hydrogen permeability in cap rocks and lack of information on kinetics of abiotic geochemical and microbial reactions (redox-reactions) in relevant pore fluids, predictions on long-term behaviour of geological hydrogen storage are only partly possible. Knowledge of hydrogen reaction paths, time-scales of reactions (reaction kinetics), and transport processes (diffusive, convective) in sedimentary rocks is essential for any geotechnical application like energy storage but also nuclear waste disposal. Guided by these topics, the project investigates exemplary three geological systems: porous hydrogen storage with clay cap rock, porous hydrogen storage with evaporitic cap rocks, and hydrogen storage in salt caverns. The projects primarily aims at the geological storage of hydrogen but has also relevance for nuclear waste disposal. The project is funded by the program “Geo:N – Geoforschung für Nachhaltigkeit“ of the Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung and coordinated by the Rheinisch-Westfälischen Technischen Hochschule Aachen. Project partner are GFZ and BGR.