Research Approach

Existing infrastructure for fossil energy can be converted into geothermal wells, seasonal hydrogen, geothermal and compressed air energy storage, and carbon sequestration. In each of the areas, there are opportunities for repurposing existing energy infrastructure. A few examples of such projects are listed below:

Geothermal Energy

• Abandoned oil and gas wells can be converted into geothermal heat exchangers by injecting fluid into the wells and extracting heated fluid to generate electricity or for process heating. This takes advantage of the wells accessing hot rock formations underground.
• Flooded mines can be used for geothermal energy by pumping water into the mine and using the naturally heated water for direct heat or to power turbines.

Hydrogen Storage

• Depleted oil and gas wells can be used for underground hydrogen storage. The geological formations are suitable for storing hydrogen for clean energy applications.

• Mines can also provide underground hydrogen storage in abandoned tunnels and shafts. The space can safely store large volumes of hydrogen.

Carbon Sequestration

• Old oil and gas wells are candidates for carbon capture and sequestration by injecting CO₂ underground into depleted reservoirs. This prevents the CO₂ from entering the atmosphere.

These efforts would not remain limited to repurposing infrastructure, but it can be extended to repurposing existing technologies for new clean energy applications:

• Offshore oil platforms offer unique potential for harvesting wind and wave energy. The platforms provide ready-made deepwater bases for offshore wind turbines.
• Drilling rigs and technology can be adapted to drill geothermal wells. The expertise in drilling deep wells is relevant for installing geothermal systems.
• Older oil and gas pipelines, if cleaned, tested and coated with liners could transport hydrogen, carbon dioxide, or other renewable fuels. This reuses existing pipeline networks.
• Subsea equipment used in offshore oil and gas is similar to what would be needed for installing and maintaining offshore wind, wave, or tidal energy systems.
• Data gathering and modeling expertise from oil and gas can aid geothermal exploration, carbon storage site selection, and siting of renewable energy projects.
• Water management and treatment expertise from the mining industry could help develop closed-loop water systems for geothermal plants and solar thermal generation.
• Supply chain logistics, construction know-how, project management, and other services from oil and gas can be transferred to large-scale renewable energy projects.
• Decommissioned oil rigs may be usable as bases for ocean wave energy converters or as foundations for floating wind turbines.
• Underground mines can provide geologic storage for hydrogen or compressed air energy storage. The tunnels and shafts have suitable geology.
• Shafts and access tunnels at closed mines could be reused for pumped hydroelectric plants, situated in the upper and lower reservoirs.

We expect that the center will develop some of these technologies over the first five years of its existence after successfully obtaining external funding. Appendix A provides support letters from the office of the Pennsylvania governor and a major oil and gas company in the commonwealth that affirms the proposed direction for transforming fossil energy assets.