Research Seminar - Dr Masoud Babaei, University of Manchester

Hosted by the Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering (GEER) Node

Talk Overview:

High-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) wellbores offer unique opportunities to decarbonise oil and gas operations through downhole reforming technologies. In these systems, methane or other hydrocarbons are partially oxidised or reformed into hydrogen and CO₂ directly within the wellbore, using the extreme temperature and pressure conditions as a natural reactor environment. The hydrogen produced can be brought to surface as a clean fuel or reinjected for reservoir management, while the CO₂ can be captured in situ and permanently sequestered within the reservoir. This approach reduces surface emissions, minimises additional infrastructure needs, and leverages existing wells as integrated energy conversion and storage systems. However, the strategy requires advanced materials, robust catalysts that can withstand HPHT conditions, and rigorous monitoring of well integrity to ensure safe long-term CO₂ containment. If proven at scale, downhole reformers could turn HPHT wells into dual-purpose assets for both production and emissions reduction.