Pioneering Sustainable Offshore Energy Solutions

Ali Mahmoodi, a dedicated researcher at DTU Offshore, is at the forefront of tackling key challenges in the transition to sustainable energy. His work spans critical areas such as assessing the environmental impact of carbon storage and developing innovative methods for hydrogen storage, demonstrating how interdisciplinary research drives progress in the offshore energy sector.

From Oil Reservoirs to Carbon Storage

Ali began his journey at DTU Offshore as a PhD student in 2020, where he focused on numerical modeling of microbial activities in oil and gas reservoirs. This foundational experience in modeling and simulation set the stage for his transition into carbon storage research.

Currently, Ali plays an integral role in the LoCo2 project, mainly funded by VELUX FONDEN, investigating the long-term environmental impacts of carbon storage in the North Sea. “We’re examining the risks of CO₂ leakage from storage reservoirs and its effects on seabed ecosystems,” he explains. By considering the full composition of CO₂ injections, including various impurities, his team is developing comprehensive risk assessments. Integrating advanced simulations with experimental data, their goal is to ensure that carbon storage methods are both effective and environmentally safe.

Exploring Hydrogen Storage Potential

Ali is also pioneering research into hydrogen storage in salt caverns—a promising solution for large-scale energy storage. “Hydrogen is poised to play a crucial role in the renewable energy landscape,” he notes. However, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding microbial activity in salt caverns that can affect hydrogen purity and storage efficiency. As part of the BioHydroSalt project, funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark, Ali’s research is focused on understanding these microbial processes and mitigating their impact, addressing key barriers to the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.