Upcoming Events
PhD Dissertation Defense - Joao Gallotti - Environmental Science and Policy
Jul 9, 2026, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Johnson Center, Room 334 (Meeting Room E)
and virtual on Zoom - register here:
https://tinyurl.com/2zsa6zte
PhD Dissertation
Department of Environmental Science and Policy
College of Science
George Mason University
Candidate: Joao S. Gallotti
Defense Date and Time: July 9, 2026 at 1:00pm
Defense Location: Johnson Center, Room 334 (Meeting Room E) and virtual on Zoom
Title: Integrated Geochemical Modeling, Reservoir Suitability Assessment, and Techno-Economic Evaluation of Converting Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs for Hydrogen Storage
Dissertation Director: Dr. Brittany Hupp
Committee: Dr. Linda Hinnov, Dr. Jennifer Salerno, Dr. Marc Buursink
ABSTRACT
Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) is a large-scale energy storage technology with the potential to accelerate decarbonization when integrated with renewable energy sources. As an emerging technology, understanding subsurface hydrogen reactivity remains critical to constraining risks before widespread deployment. To evaluate the feasibility of converting depleted gas reservoirs for hydrogen storage, this dissertation (1) develops batch-reaction models to quantify hydrogen-consuming microbial processes, (2) establishes a reservoir-screening framework based on water chemistry and environmental conditions, and (3) assesses storage capacity and costs. Collectively, these efforts advance understanding of the technical and economic risks of UHS in depleted reservoirs.
