Subsurface biogeochemistry of hydrogen (H2) transformations: microbial implications for short-term energy storage

Hydrogen (H2) offers a strategic opportunity for Canada’s energy transition and more broadly is viewed as an essential part of the global solution to reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change. Industry, governments and research agencies at regional and national scales are looking at the feasibility of H2 hubs that incorporate local logistics for H2 generation, storage and end-use. In this context, storage of H2 at scale will be a critical part in establishing H2 economies and markets. The scale of storage that is needed is realistically only available in subsurface settings, with salt caverns being considered a leading option. Since H2 is an excellent food (energy) source for microorganisms living in subsurface habitats, it is important to assess the potential interactions between “deep biosphere” microbiomes and stored H2 to understand the potential for H2 losses due to biological activity. Genomics information will lead to better predictions about the fate of stored H2 and whether strategies for mitigating microbial activity are needed.

Faculty Supervisor:

Casey Hubert

Student:

Partner:

Geogenomics

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Mining

University:

University of Calgary

Program: