Underground
Hydrogen Storage

The storage of large volumes of hydrogen is essential to drive the transition towards a hydrogen-based energy matrix and the development of the hydrogen economy. At Hychico, we are addressing this challenge innovatively.

Given the proximity of our Hydrogen Plant to depleted oil and gas reservoirs, we are assessing the feasibility of underground hydrogen storage in one of these reservoirs as part of a pilot project. This initiative represents a significant step in our commitment to expanding hydrogen storage capacities and contributes to the sustainable development of the hydrogen industry in the region.

We are excited to explore new possibilities that allow us to continue advancing in the production and utilization of hydrogen as a key energy vector.

2010

We have initiated studies on reservoirs and facilities as part of our ongoing quest for innovative solutions in the field of hydrogen.

Our objective is to test the capacity, tightness, and behavior of the reservoir, gaining experience in hydrogen storage and its use. This involves blending hydrogen with natural gas as fuel to power equipment ranging from 10 to 30 MW of installed capacity, supplying electricity to the Wholesale Electricity Market during peak demand. Our pilot test development is conducted in various stages, involving cycles of injection and production of natural gas and hydrogen at different pressure levels.

2012-2014

Participation in the European HyUnder Consortium

We are participating in the European Union's HyUnder, program, aimed at assessing the potential, players and market for large-scale underground hydrogen storage. In addition, we are part of consortia with companies and Research Centers of international prestige on topics related to microbiology, geosciences, and materials.

2014

Approval of the Environmental Impact

Assessment and the Public Hearing

We conducted the presentation of the Environmental Impact Study of our project and participated in a Public Hearing coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development Control of the Province of Chubut. This process concluded with the approval of our project in May 2014. Our commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment is fundamental in all our activities, and this achievement reflects our dedication to sustainable development.

2015

Construction of Hydrogen Pipeline

We established a 2.3 km pipeline connecting our Hydrogen Plant to well F-160, where we are carrying out our pilot project. This pipeline is made of a material specially designed for use with hydrogen, based on polymers and with a minimal number of joints. At Hychico, we prioritize safety and efficiency in all our operations.

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2016

The achievements to date were presented at the International Hydrogen Congress held in Spain in June 2016. We are committed to disseminating our progress and knowledge in the hydrogen industry.

OUR ABSTRACT
Methanogenesis, the biological generation of methane (CH4), is made possible by microorganisms that utilize hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in their metabolism. At Hychico, we are exploring the potential of hydrogen stored underground. We aim to harness microbial action in our reservoirs, where hydrogen combines with carbon dioxide, producing methane. This transformation turns the reservoir into a 'natural chemical reactor,' capitalizing on the large volumes and energy of the natural geothermal gradient. Methane, a key component of natural gas, becomes a direct source of energy, used in turbines, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, heating systems, and more, leveraging existing infrastructure. We have initiated a pilot project to produce methane from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, using controlled underground methanogenesis. This project involves the biological characterization of the site, optimization of operational parameters such as injection rates and H2 and CO2 mixture composition, as well as reservoir evaluation, including temperature and physicochemical properties of formation water. Our goal was to model reservoir behavior and complete a feasibility study to produce 'green methane. We are committed to innovation and sustainability in energy production.
Methanogenesis, the biological generation of methane (CH4), is made possible by microorganisms that utilize hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in their metabolism. At Hychico, we are exploring the potential of hydrogen stored underground. We aim to harness microbial action in our reservoirs, where hydrogen combines with carbon dioxide, producing methane. This transformation turns the reservoir into a 'natural chemical reactor,' capitalizing on the large volumes and energy of the natural geothermal gradient. Methane, a key component of natural gas, becomes a direct source of energy, used in turbines, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, heating systems, and more, leveraging existing infrastructure. We have initiated a pilot project to produce methane from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, using controlled underground methanogenesis. This project involves the biological characterization of the site, optimization of operational parameters such as injection rates and H2 and CO2 mixture composition, as well as reservoir evaluation, including temperature and physicochemical properties of formation water. Our goal was to model reservoir behavior and complete a feasibility study to produce 'green methane. We are committed to innovation and sustainability in energy production.

2016 - 2018

Exploring the Depths: the Production and Exploitation of 'Green Methane' Project"

Our long-term goal is to be a leader in supplying 'Green' Hydrogen and 'Green' Methane to regional and international markets, utilizing sustainable sources of renewable energy and carbon dioxide.

2010

We have initiated studies on reservoirs and facilities as part of our ongoing quest for innovative solutions in the field of hydrogen.

Our objective is to test the capacity, tightness, and behavior of the reservoir, gaining experience in hydrogen storage and its use. This involves blending hydrogen with natural gas as fuel to power equipment ranging from 10 to 30 MW of installed capacity, supplying electricity to the Wholesale Electricity Market during peak demand. Our pilot test development is conducted in various stages, involving cycles of injection and production of natural gas and hydrogen at different pressure levels.

2012-2014

Participation in the European HyUnder Consortium

We are participating in the European Union's HyUnder, program, aimed at assessing the potential, players and market for large-scale underground hydrogen storage. In addition, we are part of consortia with companies and Research Centers of international prestige on topics related to microbiology, geosciences, and materials.

2014

Approval of the Environmental Impact

Assessment and the Public Hearing

We conducted the presentation of the Environmental Impact Study of our project and participated in a Public Hearing coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development Control of the Province of Chubut. This process concluded with the approval of our project in May 2014. Our commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment is fundamental in all our activities, and this achievement reflects our dedication to sustainable development.

2015

Construction of Hydrogen Pipeline

We established a 2.3 km pipeline connecting our Hydrogen Plant to well F-160, where we are carrying out our pilot project. This pipeline is made of a material specially designed for use with hydrogen, based on polymers and with a minimal number of joints. At Hychico, we prioritize safety and efficiency in all our operations.

READ MORE ABOUT

2016

The achievements to date were presented at the International Hydrogen Congress held in Spain in June 2016. We are committed to disseminating our progress and knowledge in the hydrogen industry.

OUR ABSTRACT
Methanogenesis, the biological generation of methane (CH4), is made possible by microorganisms that utilize hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in their metabolism. At Hychico, we are exploring the potential of hydrogen stored underground. We aim to harness microbial action in our reservoirs, where hydrogen combines with carbon dioxide, producing methane. This transformation turns the reservoir into a 'natural chemical reactor,' capitalizing on the large volumes and energy of the natural geothermal gradient. Methane, a key component of natural gas, becomes a direct source of energy, used in turbines, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, heating systems, and more, leveraging existing infrastructure. We have initiated a pilot project to produce methane from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, using controlled underground methanogenesis. This project involves the biological characterization of the site, optimization of operational parameters such as injection rates and H2 and CO2 mixture composition, as well as reservoir evaluation, including temperature and physicochemical properties of formation water. Our goal was to model reservoir behavior and complete a feasibility study to produce 'green methane. We are committed to innovation and sustainability in energy production.
Methanogenesis, the biological generation of methane (CH4), is made possible by microorganisms that utilize hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in their metabolism. At Hychico, we are exploring the potential of hydrogen stored underground. We aim to harness microbial action in our reservoirs, where hydrogen combines with carbon dioxide, producing methane. This transformation turns the reservoir into a 'natural chemical reactor,' capitalizing on the large volumes and energy of the natural geothermal gradient. Methane, a key component of natural gas, becomes a direct source of energy, used in turbines, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, heating systems, and more, leveraging existing infrastructure. We have initiated a pilot project to produce methane from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, using controlled underground methanogenesis. This project involves the biological characterization of the site, optimization of operational parameters such as injection rates and H2 and CO2 mixture composition, as well as reservoir evaluation, including temperature and physicochemical properties of formation water. Our goal was to model reservoir behavior and complete a feasibility study to produce 'green methane. We are committed to innovation and sustainability in energy production.

2016 - 2018

Exploring the Depths: the Production and Exploitation of 'Green Methane' Project"

Our long-term goal is to be a leader in supplying 'Green' Hydrogen and 'Green' Methane to regional and international markets, utilizing sustainable sources of renewable energy and carbon dioxide.