Extraction of an alternative type of fuel at the oil/gas-condensate field: hydrogen

Abstract

The use of any fuel depletes the oxygen content in the atmosphere, with one exception: hydrogen produced from water. The relevance of hydrogen research as an energy carrier in the world has increased significantly, as current trends towards reducing the negative impact on the environment, as well as current problems of the oil and gas industry, stimulate the global transition to renewable energy sources. Hydrogen as a fuel has a number of advantages over alternative energy sources: high environmental performance, long shelf life, as well as compatibility withmany types of transport. Currently, there are no commercially available technologies for producing hydrogen fuel in the Russian Federation, since the practical implementation of such projects is traditionally associated with a number of challenges both from technological and economical point of view (absence of locally proven technologies and high level of capital and operating expenses). Despite this, such projects are of particular interest to private companies in the oil and gas sector since the sale of hydrogen can be considered as an additional opportunity for monetization.
In this analytical review, the classification of hydrogen species by production methods and the features of these methods are considered, as well as the most promising technologies for field development are formulated. The problems hindering the development of hydrogen fuel production projects in the Russian Federation today are highlighted, and the applicability of existing methods of hydrogen production to Russian practices is assessed. It is shown that “yellow” and “blue” hydrogen are of particular interest to Russia. The conclusion is made about the need for further research on pyrolysis in reservoir water and carbon capture and retention during methane pyrolysis.