The Role of Salt Tectonics in the Energy Transition: An Overview and Future Challenges

Authors

  • Oliver Duffy University of Texas at Austin
  • Michael Hudec Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin
  • Frank Peel Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin
  • Gillian Apps Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin
  • Alex Bump Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin
  • Lorena Moscardelli Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin
  • Tim Dooley Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin
  • Shuvajit Bhattacharya Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin
  • Kenneth Wisian Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin
  • Mark Shuster Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55575/tektonika2023.1.1.11

Keywords:

salt tectonics, energy transition, hydrogen storage, salt caverns, CCUS, geothermal, oil and gas

Abstract

In this paper we examine the role salt tectonics can play in a number of key energy transition technologies, namely, energy storage as gas in salt caverns (e.g. hydrogen and compressed air), CO2 storage, and geothermal energy. For each of these technologies we explore: i) fundamental concepts and driving forces; ii) how and why the properties of salt are of importance; and iii) the key salt-related technical challenges, potential future research directions, and technical approaches needed for large-scale development. We highlight how salt-bearing basins offer vast potential for development throughout the energy transition including, but not limited to: i) the likely demand for thousands of new hydrogen storage caverns inside salt bodies by 2050; ii) a likely early focus for porous media CO2 storage sites in basins strongly influenced by salt tectonics; and iii) enhanced geothermal energy potential in and around salt bodies. Effective exploitation of these resources will require a deeper understanding of the internal composition, geometry, and evolution of salt structures and their surrounding sediments, and potentially the development of more predictive models of salt tectonic behaviour. Critically, we see the need to integrate learnings of salt tectonics gained in the academic, mining, solution mining, and oil and gas communities, and apply a fresh perspective to answer research questions of relevance to the energy transition. Developing this new understanding will help optimise design, reduce geotechnical risk, and improve efficiency for energy transition technologies, thus indicating a strong future demand for salt tectonic research.

Downloads

Additional Files

Published

2023-02-20

Issue

Section

Articles