Pore- to Core-scale Reactive-Transport Modeling of Hydrogen and Microbial Turnover in the Subsurface

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Olaf A. Cirpka; Professor Dr.-Ing. Anozie Ebigbo; Dr. Tao Yuan
• Subject Area: Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Limnology, Urban Water Management, Water Chemistry, Integrated Water Resources Management
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 575546287

The fate of hydrogen gas in subsurface environments is significantly influenced by microbial activity. At the pore scale, such activity can alter fluid composition and rock properties, thereby impacting hydrogen injection and withdrawal processes at larger scales and ultimately affecting the overall efficiency of underground hydrogen storage. This project aims to understand how these microbially mediated pore-scale processes influence hydrogen storage. To achieve this, we will develop and apply pore- to core-scale numerical models to simulate the coupled processes of two-phase flow, multi-component transport, and microbial dynamics triggered by hydrogen gas in the subsurface. Based on pore-scale model results, we aim to derive modified constitutive relationships due to microbial effects, enabling more accurate core-scale modeling. The resulting models will enhance predictability for hydrogen transport in the subsurface, contributing to the implementation and optimization of long-term underground hydrogen storage systems.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants