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Concurrent 21. Presentation for: Hydrogen storage potential of depleted oil and gas fields in Western Australia

Adam Craig A *
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A RISC Advisory Pty Ltd, Perth, WA, Australia.

* Correspondence to: adam.craig@riscadvisory.com

The APPEA Journal 62 - https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ21378
Published: 3 June 2022

Abstract

Presented on Thursday 19 May: Session 21

The global subsurface hydrogen storage industry is at an embryonic stage and is currently dominated by a handful of manufactured salt caverns worldwide. There are currently no known depleted oil or gas fields used to store pure hydrogen, although there are examples of hydrogen and natural gas mixtures. The Government of Western Australia has developed a renewable hydrogen strategy with a vision for Western Australia becoming a significant producer, exporter and user of renewable hydrogen. An element of the strategy and roadmap includes the possibility of utilising depleted oil and gas fields for transitory geological storage of hydrogen. The physical characteristics of hydrogen are quite different to natural gases and a number of potential loss mechanisms need to be considered for transitory geological storage. Currently, 30 renewable energy projects with associated hydrogen generation are proposed or being considered in Western Australia. It is assumed that some, if not all, of these projects may require transitory geological storage of hydrogen. An assessment of the required storage potential has been made and 23 onshore depleted oil and gas fields of the onshore northern Perth Basin and Carnarvon Basin were screened for their suitability to satisfy the storage requirements of a renewable hydrogen industry. Seven fields were then selected as suitable candidates for transitory hydrogen geological storage sites.

To access the presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here

Keywords: Carnarvon Basin, depleted oil and gas fields, geological storage, hydrogen, Perth Basin, renewable energy.

Adam Craig is a highly experienced geoscientist with over 30 years’ experience working with WMC Resources, Woodside, Cooper Energy and KUFPEC prior to joining RISC. Adam has significant global experience in exploration, appraisal, development and production activities. He is a member of APPEA, PESA (2021–22 WA branch President), AAPG (CPG) and a Fellow of the Geological Society.