DGGV-E-Publikationen

Title: Numerical modelling of seasonal underground hydrogen storage in a saline aquifer

Authors:
Alvaro Sainz-Garcia, Fidel Grandia, Elena Abarca, Jordi Bruno

Institutions:
Amphos 21 Consulting, Spain

Event: GeoKarlsruhe 2021

Date: 2021

DOI: 10.48380/dggv-3d8x-br17

Summary:
Current renewable energies are unsteady resulting in temporary mismatches between demand and supply. The conversion of surplus energy to hydrogen and its storage in geological formations is one option to balance this energy gap. This study evaluates the feasibility of seasonal storage of hydrogen produced from excess wind power electricity in a saline aquifer in Castilla-León region (northern Spain). A 3D multiphase numerical model is performed to test different extraction well configurations during three annual injection-production cycles in a selected underground sandstone formation (Utrillas Fm) in the Duero basin. Results demonstrate that underground hydrogen storage in saline aquifers can be operated with reasonable recovery ratios. A maximum hydrogen recovery ratio of 78%, which represents a global energy efficiency of 30%, has been estimated. Hydrogen upconing emerges as the major risk on saline aquifer storage. However, shallow extraction wells can minimize its effects. Steeply dipping geological structures are key for an efficient hydrogen storage.