Missions

The study of natural hydrogen generation is currently the subject of a great deal of research, but the study of its migration and accumulation in the subsurface is still in its infancy. The proposed work is part of this new research topic.
More specifically, the aim is to improve our understanding of the hydrogen system in Brazil's Sao Francisco Basin by numerically simulating and testing different scenarios for possible « hydrogen » systems in the basin. This will be done using a prototype version of the TemisFlow commercial software developed by IFPEN.

Activités

- The first part of the work will consist of a bibliographical synthesis to compile all available data: horizon depth maps, sedimentary facies distribution maps, fault mapping, well data, etc., in order to build a conceptual geological model of this basin. - This first step will be followed by the construction, in TemisFlow, of the numerical model of the basin based on these data.
- The main part of the work will then consist of simulating different hydrogen generation scenarios in this model, and analyzing the associated migration paths, as well as the possibilities for the appearance and accumulation of free hydrogen. The model parameters will be adjusted so that the results obtained are as close as possible to the available observations, notably the emanations observed on the surface and the data recorded in the wells.
- Analysis of the results will enable us to select the most likely scenarios, and to propose one or more quantitatively consistent scenarios for the operation of the hydrogen system in the Sao Francisco basin.

Compétences

- Geology, in particular mastery of the main principles controlling the sedimentary and structural architecture of a sedimentary basin
- Mastery of the physical processes controlling fluid migration in the deep subsurface (generalized Darcy's Law).
- Experience in numerical simulation is required. Knowledge of TemisFlow software would be a plus.
- Knowledge of natural hydrogen issues would be a plus.

Contexte de travail

Hydrogen (H2) is the smallest of molecules. It is a very promising resource, as its combustion produces only water and releases a significant amount of energy. Today, H2 is mainly obtained by reforming hydrocarbons, a process that leads to the production of CO2. H2 can also be generated by electrolysis of water, using excess energy from renewable energies. It can then be transported and stored in large quantities in natural underground reservoirs, such as aquifers and/or depleted hydrocarbon deposits.
Although quantities have yet to be determined, H2 is also produced as a geological resource from natural emissions. H2 can thus be both an energy carrier and a resource, and as such plays a central role in Engie's R&D strategy.
The ORHYON (Micro-ORganisms and HYdrOgeN reactivity in the underground) industrial chair draws on the complementary strengths of Engie, UPPA and IFPEN to pave the way for competitive sustainable hydrogen solutions. The four-year project consists of six doctoral and post-doctoral studies focusing on H2 mobility and biochemical reactivity in natural porous media, from deep environments to the surface. In concrete terms, the results of this project will lead to a better understanding of the processes controlling the migration and retention of H2 in geological formations, but also to new tools and methodologies to reduce the risks associated with geological storage, to clarify the potential of H2 as an energy resource and to provide technical advice for its exploration and production.
The post-doc will be supervised by Marie-Christine Cacas-Stentz (IFPEN) and Jean-Paul Callot (Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour). The post-doctoral fellow will be based at IFPEN (France), but assignments will be carried out at the Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour (supported by the project).

Contraintes et risques

Position based at IFPEN in Rueil-Malmaison, with travel to Pau.

Informations complémentaires

Offered for a period of 12 months, this contract may be extended for a further 6 months. In addition to submitting a CV and covering letter on the CNRS jobs portal, applicants are asked to send a 2-page letter describing their research interests and the references of three referees to:
marie-christine.cacas-stentz@ifpen.fr
jean-paul.callot@univ-pau.fr
arnaud.pujol@ifpen.fr
anthony.ranchou-peyruse@univ-pau.fr