BACKGROUND
Hydrogen is a versatile resource that possesses clean energy potential. It can be used for applications such as electricity generation, petroleum refinement, and fertilizer production with no carbon dioxide emissions when used as fuel. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles utilize hydrogen gas, potentially reducing air pollution in transportation. However, the cost gap between producing hydrogen and fossil fuels is still substantial. A cost-effective method to produce hydrogen could play a critical role in moving towards a hydrogen-based energy future.
SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY
Researchers at Oklahoma State University have developed a method to produce hydrogen from depleted oil reservoirs used for geological carbon storage. This method is an in-situ conversion microbiological method where only hydrogen is brought to the surface with the oil in the reservoir remaining in-place. There are no genetic modifications required, as this method only relies on hydrogen-producing microbial communities that are generally present in oil reservoir formation waters. To start hydrogen production, anthropogenic carbon dioxide is injected along with produced formation water that is supplied with protein-rich matter, ensuring that it has no negative environmental impacts. Additionally, the potential to offset costs associated with geological carbon storage operations is introduced by the possibility of commercializing hydrogen production. This technology offers a cost-effective method to produce hydrogen by recovering oil that remains in place after primary and secondary oil recovery operations, solving environmental issues derived from atmospheric pollution with carbon dioxide and any risk of freshwater contamination from petroleum produced water.
POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION
MAIN ADVANTAGES
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
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