A cross-disciplinary exchange between modelling, field studies, and industry: How can multiphysics modeling advance geological hydrogen resource development?

The evidence base for geological hydrogen sources is expanding rapidly, moving from anecdotal reports to systematic surveys, exploration, and focused research that address fundamental knowledge gaps. These efforts will determine whether geological hydrogen remains a small-scale, local energy source or can evolve into a large-scale resource capable of contributing meaningfully to the global energy transition. In this interactive presentation, we aim to present and discuss effective ways of applying thermo-hydro-mechano-chemical (THMC) modelling approaches to geological hydrogen research. The objective is to reduce interdisciplinary barriers and to enable effective discussion that optimizes the use of THMC modelling for constraining fundamental research questions. These questions primarily relate to assessments of geological hydrogen resource potential and to informing exploration strategies and detection methods.

Much of the scientific and technical progress in deep-seated applications in recent decades has benefited from the development of THMC numerical and theoretical models. Such applications range from fossil fuel exploration and recovery to geothermal energy utilization, ore-forming systems, and the assessment and mitigation of induced seismicity. These advances were facilitated by improvements in computational capability and algorithmic development, enabling effective integration of experimental results and field observations into models. This has often enabled the development of a mechanistic understanding of nonlinear and tightly coupled THMC processes operating at depth across wide spatial and temporal scales.

Geological hydrogen systems are similarly governed by crustal processes, which can be described as interconnected components encompassing the generation, migration, accumulation, and preservation of hydrogen. Leveraging established multiphysics modelling approaches to investigate these components can provide valuable insights. Key examples include constraining migration mechanisms of dissolved or free-phase hydrogen from deep source regions toward potentially exploitable reservoirs, and assessing fluxes into and out of hydrogen reservoirs. Assessing the relative timescales  can enable first-order evaluation of losses due to biotic and abiotic reactions, as well as accumulation potential.