Research

Executive Summary 

The GeoH₂ Industrial Affiliates Program (IAP) conducts research and technology development on geological aspects of the hydrogen economy in three thematic research areas:

1. Geological storage of gaseous hydrogen
   1. Reservoir Characterization and Flow Modeling
   2. Risk Assessment, Field Testing and Monitoring Design
2. Geologic and Geo-engineered hydrogen generation
3. Techno-economic and value-chain analysis

This document is an updated overview of the GeoH₂ research priorities and plans for the period of 2026-2027.

The strategic intent of GeoH₂ is to conduct parallel research in these three themes to increase understanding, reduce uncertainty, and inform directions for large-scale hydrogen development. The proposed research activities were selected to address strategic needs (i.e. gaps in technical understanding, key technoeconomic issues) within the constraints of available funding.

The Geological Storage theme (1) includes research on bulk storage of hydrogen gas in porous-media (depleted fields and saline aquifers) and in salt dissolution caverns. Geological storage is subdivided into two “project” groups to ensure that critical research elements could be advanced in parallel. The two “project” groups are: 1a) Reservoir Characterization and Flow Modeling; and 1b) Risk Assessment, Field Testing and Monitoring Design.

Formerly referred to as “Novel Concepts” in previous GeoH₂ programs, the “Geologic and Geo-engineered” theme (2) consists of research activities to address specific questions regarding reactions, reaction products, and flow phenomena associated with geologic (i.e. natural) hydrogen and geo-engineered hydrogen production. Geo-engineered hydrogen production encompasses geo-stimulated production of hydrogen by water-rock reactions (i.e. serpentinization) and in situ generation of hydrogen from hydrocarbons including microbial and in situ combustion-related techniques. Research on geologic hydrogen addresses reaction processes that produce and consume hydrogen and hydrogen transport processes, and assessment of geologic hydrogen systems.

The aim of the Techno-economics Value Chain Analysis theme (3) is to develop a complete modeling and analysis framework that describes options of routes to market for hydrogen as a full value chain, and identify commercially viable infrastructure buildout for low carbon intensity uses. The intent of this theme is to inform optimal value chains for various end uses and markets with an emphasis on geological storage and related infrastructure, and support economic assessment of geologic and geo-engineered hydrogen production.