Dr. Maurice Dusseault, Professor at University of Waterloo, presents his talk “Subsurface Energy Storage Geomechanics”.
Abstract: The energy transition to renewable sources (wind, solar) can benefit greatly from subsurface energy storage. Scalable, with small footprints and environmental burdens, these methods need geomechanics and disciplines such as oil and gas engineering, heat transfer, and hydrology. The main options include 1) Compressed Air in Caverns, Wellbores, Aquifers; 2) Seasonal Low-Grade Thermal Storage in Rock; 3) Pumped Hydro Energy Storage; and 4) Subsurface Renewable Fuel Storage.
Subsurface energy storage projects involve pressure and temperature limits analysis, heat recovery and use (CA), penstock and subsurface powerhouse design, cavern integrity, seal quality, THMC coupled modelling, and in many cases more conventional rock mechanics assessment and design.
Massive subsurface storage is vital for energy systems to cope with variable and irregular renewable heat and electricity production. Subsurface storage provides great security, safety, environmental protection, and lower unit costs than alternative surface methods. Issues such as stress, pressure, and temperature changes are managed through quality geomechanics design to assure decades of trouble-free operations, smoothing the pathway to truly sustainable energy provision systems.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Maurice Dusseault, Professor of Engineering Geology at the University of Waterloo, carries out research in petroleum geomechanics (drilling, hydraulic fracturing, reservoir geomechanics), and is a world expert on new production methods, deep waste sequestration in sedimentary basins, and reservoir geomechanics. Professor Dusseault is a registered professional engineer in Alberta and Ontario. He frequently works with governments and industry as an advisor and instructor.