Why is this research important to Alberta?

• The hydrogen sector is still emerging in Alberta and Canada.
• Large-volume storage reservoirs will be needed for hydrogen to help buffer against the intermittency of renewable energy, i.e., hydrogen generation in excess of immediate needs is temporarily stored underground and then retrieved shortly thereafter (days or months later).
• However, since microorganisms live and can be active in the subsurface – including in oil and gas reservoirs that have been proposed as candidate hydrogen storage locations – there is a risk of microbial hydrogen metabolism, causing losses and other unwanted consequences.

What is the goal of this work? How will genomics be used?

Genomics will be used to:

• Define hydrogenase gene sequences that correspond to relevant risk factors.
• Design molecular assays that will allow digital PCR technology to generate quantitative risk profiles (based on hydrogenase gene abundance measurements).

More specifically, genes and organisms that are known to link hydrogen metabolism with souring (H2S generation) and biocorrosion will be prioritized as these unwanted consequences may pose a larger problem for hydrogen storage projects than the issue of direct hydrogen loss due to microbial oxidation.

Metagenomic datasets will help to:

• Define gene sequences, e.g., of hydrogenase genes, that will be high priority targets for bioassay development.

Local start-up Geogenomics Inc will be the commercialization vehicle for the new bioassays, and samples and technical direction will be provided by ExxonMobil based on the company’s expertise in linking hydrogenases and biocorrosion.

What are the expected benefits, and how will the research findings be shared?

Successful development of digital PCR assays should see commercial-ready tools (TRL 9) ready for use by the end of the project. These tools will:

• Help hydrogen storage companies take proactive steps for understanding and mitigating microbial hydrogen oxidation risks.
• Help Alberta and Canada accelerate the adoption of hydrogen energy and develop a hydrogen energy sector.
• Support Alberta and Canada becoming an energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy.

Related Resources

Related information can be accessed through:

• Company website: Geogenomics
• News article: UCalgary researchers receive federal funding boost for genomics research
• News article: Federal government announces $20 million in research and development funding for genomics