In-Situ Hydrogen Production from Natural Gas Wells with Subsurface Carbon Retention

There's a critical need to balance economic prosperity, energy security and environmental protection. Instead of the conventional production of methane, these valuable energy reserves can be exploited in a climate beneficial way. Exploiting (not producing) methane eliminates the carbon value-chain and the associated damage these greenhouse gasses cause to the climate. When no carbon is produced to surface, carbon capture requirements become significantly reduced, and their huge budgets better utilised elsewhere.

This paper discusses the viability of a wellbore natural gas gasification process, within a downhole completion tool, that converts methane wells into hydrogen production wells. The process-generated carbon is simultaneously captured downhole, re-injecting the CO2 into the surrounding geology, potentially gaining reservoir EOR as a bonus. The proposed process is for natural gas fields, and not for use in the gasification of heavy oils (which is covered by other ‘combustion type’ reservoir management processes performed deep within the reservoir geology).

The multiple revenue streams created by the process, together with process energy, feedstock (methane), and cost savings, make it climate positive and financially viable. This provides a Net Zero win-win, that is mutually beneficial for the natural gas industry and the environment. Without enormous technical effort, or competitive use of commodities and huge capital costs, it could be possible to convert the natural gas industry directly into a hydrogen and carbon capture industry.