Decarbonation has maintained its attraction, as observed from the past year of papers reviewed for this feature. Regarding carbon capture and storage (CCS), challenges have been addressed through various techniques, including laboratory experiments; modeling studies; and field-scale application testing, monitoring, and risk assessment; as well as value chain and economic analysis. Moreover, multiple cutting-edge artificial-intelligence and machine-learning technologies have been adopted to CCS to assist the understanding of data and dynamics systems and accelerate decision-making.
Integration of data from core and fluid samples and upscaling to the reservoir and field scale to facilitate understanding with an interdisciplinary perspective may offer valuable insights for CCS decision-making and operations with potential risk reduction and economic benefits.
Additionally, many other technologies have been pursued for decarbonization efforts. The path of liquefied natural gas has been enhanced with an emphasis on energy priorities, playing a crucial role in the worldwide supply and value chain for rapidly increasing energy demands. Paper SPE 221736 provides some thoughts on this, and more perspectives are expected in the coming years.
Hydrogen, also, is playing a role in satisfying the increasing energy demand. Most global hydrogen production relies on fossil fuels, primarily natural gas, with this method accounting for approximately 95% of global hydrogen production. Electrolysis of water accounts for a far smaller portion, approximately 5% of global hydrogen production. Paper SPE 219391, one of the recommended reading papers, provides more details in this realm.
Finally, another hydrogen source, geological/natural hydrogen, has been dramatically gaining attention worldwide. Even though it is in early stages, papers have been published on its potential and mechanism. Paper SPE 220916 is a great example.
Looking forward, additional sources such as geothermal and nuclear, as shown in paper OTC 35792, are seeing increased attention, exploration, and development.
Summarized Papers in This July 2025 Issue
SPE 220010 Workflow Integrates Analytical, Modeling Activities for CCS Application by Patrizia Pisicchio, Eni, et al.
SPE 220916 Experimental Study Generates Enhanced Hydrogen With Olivine Sand by Bolivia Vega, Stanford University, et al.
SPE 221736 LNG Shows Potential as a Transitional Energy Source for Transportation in Nigeria by Chinenye Alozie, Transafam Power, et al.
Recommended Additional Reading
SPE 221849 The Use of an Intelligent Data-Assimilation Protocol for Plume Characterization of CO2 Sequestration in Saline Aquifers by Qian Sun, China University of Geosciences, et al.
SPE 219391 Salinity Effects on H2S Generation in Subsurface Hydrogen Storage by Z. Hamdi, Aarhus University, et al.
OTC 35792 A Step Change in Hydrocarbon Recovery and Decarbonization With Carbon-Free Energy From Advanced Offshore Nuclear by J. Ricardo Castillo, OEGS Technology, et al.
Guoxiang “Gavin” Liu, SPE, is a general engineer at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), US Department of Energy, where he focuses on cost and economics analysis of energy systems and applies his subsurface expertise to fossil and sustainable energies, including oil and gas, hydrogen, and geothermal, as well as carbon management. Liu holds a PhD degree in environmental engineering from West Virginia University, an MS degree in computer science from Leiden University in the Netherlands, and a BS degree in chemistry and computer management from Yunnan Normal University. Before holding his current position, Liu served as team lead and senior engineer supporting the NETL mission and energy delivery by working with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. Previously, he worked for 5 years in the oil and gas industry. Liu has authored or coauthored more than 100 publications, including patents, books, journal articles, conferences, technical reports, and presentations.