The role of subsurface geomechanics in the green energy transition
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Paluszny, Adriana
Zimmerman, Robert W
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The global energy landscape is currently experiencing a significant shift towards non-hydrocarbon, sustainable energy sources, often referred to as ‘green energy’. This transition is being driven by the urgent need to address the problem of global warming caused by greenhouse gases, most of which are generated by the burning of fossil fuels. This article provides an overview of the role that subsurface geomechanics will play in this transition, focusing on green energy technologies such as carbon sequestration, geothermal energy production, hydrogen storage and nuclear waste disposal. The article starts with a review of geomechanical properties and structures that will be relevant to the green energy transition, such as in situ stresses, elastic moduli, strength properties, permeability, faults and fractures. This is followed by introductions to the four green energy technologies mentioned above. The next section focuses on the specific geomechanical challenges associated with each of these technologies, such as surface subsidence, induced seismicity and fluid and contaminant leakage. Gaps in existing knowledge, and potential pitfalls to be avoided, are highlighted. The article concludes with a brief discussion of public perception of environmental risks associated with subsurface energy technologies. It is concluded that geomechanics will play a key role in each of these emerging subsurface energy technologies, and the knowledge and tools that have mainly been developed in the context of fossil fuel exploitation will be key to these developments.
Date Issued
2025-05-01
Date Acceptance
2025-02-10
Citation
Royal Society Open Science, 2025, 12 (5)
ISSN
2054-5703
Publisher
The Royal Society
Journal / Book Title
Royal Society Open Science
Volume
12
Issue
5
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Authors. Published by the Royal Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, which permits unrestricted use, provided the original author and source are credited.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40370612
PII: rsos241516
Subjects
CO2 STORAGE
DEEP SALINE AQUIFERS
energy
geomechanics
GEOTHERMAL-RESERVOIRS
green transition
HYDROGEN STORAGE
INDUCED EARTHQUAKES
induced seismicity
INDUCED SEISMICITY
IN-SITU STRESS
LAND SUBSIDENCE
MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES
Multidisciplinary Sciences
RADIOACTIVE-WASTE
renewable energy
Science & Technology
Science & Technology - Other Topics
subsurface
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
England
Article Number
241516
Date Publish Online
2025-05-07