Analysis of the Japanese Depleted Gas Fields’ Prospect for Underground Hydrogen Storage

Abstract

Abstract A method for reducing power peak is to store hydrogen (H2) underground in depleted gas reservoirs (hereafter UHS). In contrast to alternative solutions, like salt caverns or aquifers, the availability of depleted gas reservoirs gives a greater storage capacity. But choosing the right gas field for the UHS and carrying it out are tricky. As a result, the goal of this work is to characterize the UHS in the chosen field and rank Japanese gas fields for it. To begin with, we ranked and screened potential H2 storage locations in Japan using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The best locations for UHS, according to our calculations using the AHP approach, are Sekihara, Kumoide, Katakai, Nakajo, Kubiki, Shiunji, Iwafune-oki (gas), and Minami-Nagaoka. These fields’ high flow capacity, depth, current reservoir pressure, and dip angle are the causes of their elevated position. Then, based on a volumetric reservoir, we studied the H2 injection, storage, and withdrawal capacity at the chosen site in the Niigata Prefecture using the CMG reservoir simulator. For the first time in Japan, this work offers a framework for evaluating and ranking potential depleted gas reservoirs as a UHS option. It also includes a reservoir simulation study to comprehend the impact of various parameters such as hysteresis trapping, number of injection and withdrawal cycles, and type of cushion gas on the efficiency of H2 storage and withdrawal in a volumetric gas reservoir.