Thermal Hydrogen Production from Petroleum Reservoirs Using Steam Reforming and In-Situ Catalyst Application: A Technical and Economic Analysis

Fluid and solid hydrocarbon reservoirs are one of the most important fossil energy sources in the world. However, due to the high emission of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases, the application of fossil energy is not sustainable. Nevertheless, the infrastructure of the existing oil reservoirs should also be part of the ongoing utilization of the resources; petroleum reservoirs can be used to produce green hydrogen through wet combustion. This technique enables the production of hydrogen or hydrogen-containing synthesis gas from depleted petroleum reservoirs. This paper gives a brief review of the existing literature, relevant patents, and experiments on the topic. A new type of catalytic hydrogen production from depleting oil reservoir is introduced. Hydrogen production capability and the economic feasibility are evaluated using data from the literature and the relevant process parameters. Finally, the application limitations of the new process in oil reservoirs are introduced and explained; the physical and chemical parameters which affect the applicability are discussed.