Hydrochemical and microbiological processes accompanying hybrid storage of hydrogen and methane in aquifers

Abstract

Storage of hydrogen (methane–hydrogen mixtures) in geological formations has advantages in the potential injection volumes and cost parameters of production operations compared to its placement in ground-based artificial reservoirs. However, it involves a potential risk of undesirable hydrochemical and microbiological reactions leading to hydrogen loss, carbon dioxide production, geochemical transformations of reservoir rocks, corrosion of well equipment. The present article presents the results of the prediction of the aforementioned events for the underground storage of methane–hydrogen mixtures in aquifers containing highly mineralized reservoir water. Such an analysis is also important for assessing the effects of hybrid hydrogen and methane storage in salt caves.