Patagonia Wind - Hydrogen Project: Underground Storage and Methanation

Ariel Perez (1) , E. Pérez (1) , Sébastien Dupraz (2) , J. Bolcich (1)

1 HYCHICO
2 BRGM - Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières

The estimated 2,000 GW wind power potential of Argentine Patagonia, its natural resources and infrastructure are the best combination for a Large Scale Wind-Hydrogen production in Hychico´s vision. A Hydrogen Plant producing 120 Nm3/h (99,998 % purity), and a Wind Park (6.3 MW), with an average annual capacity factor of 50% constitute the first stage of Hychico’s program. This “Green” or zero emission hydrogen will supply developing markets such as fuel cell, and or internal combustions engines for vehicles and stationary applications. The decarbonisation of the energy system faces the challenge of how to integrate an increasing share of intermittent renewable energies such as wind or solar power. Underground Hydrogen Storage is one of the options that may facilitate this integration and it may become a viable option for large-scale electricity storage especially in places with suitable geology and electricity generation from renewables and surplus in the order of tens of TWhs over extended periods [1]. In 2010 Hychico began geological studies to start an Underground Hydrogen Storage in a depleted gas reservoir located near its hydrogen facilities. An Environmental Impact Assessment and a Public Hearing process were passed and then it was started a program involving multiple stages with different hydrogen and natural gas injection-withdrawal cycles. In association with the BRGM, Hychico is currently developing another pilot project that focus on the potential of depleted gas reservoirs to accomplish methane production by biological processes. As this resulting synthetic natural gas fulfils all requirements of conventional natural gas, it can be used in any natural gas applications and direct combustion technologies. The goal is to find out the key factors involved in the processes, including the characterization of microorganisms, and optimization of processes. First results show good behavior of the selected depleted gas reservoirs as well as some favorable conditions for methanation processes inside it.

Domaines: Géochimie; Biotechnologies

Ariel Perez, E. Pérez, Sébastien Dupraz, J. Bolcich. Patagonia Wind - Hydrogen Project: Underground Storage and Methanation . 21st World Hydrogen Energy Conference 2016, Jun 2016, Zaragoza, Spain. ⟨hal-01317467⟩