Upper Austria
© RAG
This project deals with the production and retention of petroleum gas in reservoirs through a microbiological process.
The “Underground Sun Conversion” project has enabled for the first time to produce petroleum gas directly in a reservoir through a microbiological process in a natural way and to store it there. This project has already gained attention internationally because of its unique and innovative method.
The “Underground Sun Conversion” technology first produces hydrogen through solar, wind or water power in an above-ground construction. At a depth of more than 1,000 metres, hydrogen and CO2 are converted into renewable petroleum gas through naturally existing microorganisms. The generated petroleum gas is saved directly in the reservoir and can be extracted whenever needed. The aim of the project is to use existing (pore) petroleum gas reservoirs for the natural geological reaction. That is how the methanation process as well as the storage occur in a natural way and offer a new dimension of renewable energy.
Contact:
Project partner: RAG Austria AG
Contact person: Robert Tichler (Energy Institut), Stefan Bauer (RAG Austria AG)
More information: https://www.underground-sun-conversion.at/
