In-Situ Hydrogen Production from Natural Gas Wells with Subsurface Carbon Retention.
Our technical paper was published online in the peer reviewed SPE Journal. The SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) is the main professional society for the global oil & gas industry.
The study introduces Metharc’s groundbreaking process for producing hydrogen directly within natural gas wells, capturing carbon at the source to avoid emissions into the atmosphere. This in-situ gasification process utilizes a downhole tool that converts methane into hydrogen and captures co-generated carbon, which is then reinjected into the surrounding geology. The method not only supports the green energy transition by minimizing carbon emissions but also leverages the existing infrastructure of natural gas wells, providing a sustainable and cost-effective way to produce hydrogen.
The economic analysis shows that this approach significantly reduces the energy and costs typically associated with hydrogen production and carbon capture. By eliminating post-combustion carbon capture, the process reduces the financial and environmental burdens, allowing low-carbon hydrogen to be produced for well under 1 USD/kg . This technology offers a promising path to repurposing natural gas wells as low-carbon, hydrogen-producing assets, helping to meet the growing demand for clean energy while maintaining energy security.
