Tracking the Energy Transition: Hydrogen Projects on the Move, Solar System Touts Efficiencies, and Global Emissions Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels

A hydrogen storage study, a new pilot in San Diego, and a UK boost lead the energy transition charge along with a new offshore wind project, marketplace for solar procurement, and fresh funds earmarked for emissions reduction.

CGG and the University of Edinburgh kicked off a joint project to undertake research into the subsurface storage of hydrogen in depleted gas fields. Hydrogen can be generated from electrolysis using renewable energy sources (green hydrogen) and can help to alleviate the intermittent nature of renewable energy such as solar and wind. Alternatively, blue hydrogen can be generated from gas (methane).

There is growing interest in replacing traditional fossil fuels, like natural gas, with hydrogen in many industries, including energy and manufacturing and for domestic heating. However, hydrogen has a very low energy density, meaning huge volumes are required to replace methane and making surface storage impractical. Subsurface hydrogen storage in depleted gas fields may offer a solution.

CGG and the GeoEnergy research group at the University of Edinburgh will model the heterogeneity of subsurface geological reservoirs to determine the most favorable potential sites for hydrogen storage and whether alternative cushion gases, such as CO2, can be used to reduce the operational storage and recovery costs of hydrogen.

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