Establishing the Technical Basis for Enabling Safe and Reliable Underground Hydrogen Storage Operations

Overview

Main Objective

The objectives of this work are:

1. 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;
2. Quantify the suitability of existing UGS facilities (which includes the well and subsurface geologic system) for storing pure and blended hydrogen;
3. 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

The purpose of this proposed scope of work is to establish the technical criteria for pure and blended hydrogen storage in subsurface geologic reservoirs by a) identifying sources for potential H2 resource and storage reservoir asset loss and b) identifying possible mitigations or remedies relativist to governing entities that may have regulatory primacy or authority. Specific points of emphasis for this work are on providing guidance for i) assessing the suitability of existing engineered systems (e.g., well head, below ground well system, and the geologic system), ii) quantifying the possible operational expectations during conversion (resource loss, risk of asset damage, and iii) forecast transient operational behavior and end-state performance). This work is expected to be conducted in collaboration with U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) staff and with select members of professional societies, standards organizations, and industrial partners to enhance the impact and relevance of research products.