Static and dynamic model of a real hydrocarbon reservoir for future conversion to underground H2 storage

Hydrogen is emerging as a crucial energy carrier in the transition toward a sustainable and low carbon energy system and its large-scale storage is essential for balancing supply and demand, particularly when integrating renewable energy sources. Among the various storage solutions, underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in depleted reservoirs stands out as a promising option due to their proven containment capabilities and the advantage of existing infrastructure that can potentially be repurposed for hydrogen injection and withdrawal. This study begins by exploring the critical factors that influence the feasibility of UHS, including geological and reservoir characteristics, various trapping mechanisms that enhance hydrogen retention, the behavior of hydrogen in subsurface conditions, rock-fluid interactions, and the potential risks associated with long-term storage, while also drawing insights from real-world case studies to provide practical context. The NORNE field, located near the Norwegian coast, has been selected as a potential candidate for conversion into an underground hydrogen storage site by assessing the feasibility of large-scale hydrogen injection and withdrawal. A static model is developed to thoroughly analyze its geological structure and reservoir properties, offering a comprehensive understanding of its suitability for hydrogen storage before moving on to dynamic simulations. Building upon the static model, dynamic reservoir simulations are performed to assess the efficiency of different hydrogen injection and withdrawal strategies, with two scenarios being tested: one utilizing a single injection well and another employing several wells within the gas cap, allowing for a direct comparison of their effectiveness in terms of hydrogen recovery efficiency and cumulative production. By analyzing the outcomes of these simulations, this study aims to provide valuable insights into optimizing underground hydrogen storage in depleted reservoirs, contributing to the development of large-scale energy storage solutions that can facilitate the broader adoption of hydrogen as an important component of the future energy landscape.