From industry to academi
Armin joined DTU Offshore two years ago as a Research Assistant after more than ten years working as a reservoir engineer in the industry. He focuses on programming and simulations that model both subsurface and surface–subsurface interactions. His transition from oil and gas to academic research reflects a broader shift: applying reservoir engineering expertise to the pressing challenges of carbon capture and storage (CCS), underground hydrogen storage, and other subsurface applications that support the green transition.
Storing CO₂ for a cleaner future
Armin’s research centres on subsurface flow and geomechanic simulations and the characterisation of geological reservoirs. While his early career was dedicated to optimising hydrocarbon production, his current projects aim to address the environmental footprint of past energy use.
“My main focus right now is on CO₂ storage. We need to remediate the effects of decades of fossil fuel consumption, and subsurface storage offers a practical solution,” he explains. His work spans field-scale simulations of long-term CO₂ storage, analysis of leakage pathways, and modelling of geomechanical and geochemical interactions.
In parallel, he has also begun exploring underground hydrogen storage as a means to balance the intermittency of renewable energy production.
Simulating the subsurface
Armin develops and applies simulation workflows to understand the complex physical, chemical, and mechanical processes associated with CO₂ injection and storage. His projects cover:
- Leakage assessment – creating standardised workflows for engineers to evaluate potential risks related to possible leakage pathways.
- Geomechanics and geochemistry – modelling stresses, deformations, and chemical reactions in reservoirs and wellbores.
- Novel pore- and field-scale simulations – capturing physics often overlooked in traditional models.
- Software development – collaborating with developers to build and improve integrated packages tailored to CCS applications.
By combining commercial software, custom coding, and advanced modelling, he works to capture the full range of risks and opportunities associated with subsurface storage.
Building bridges across disciplines
Armin’s work is embedded in a network of collaborations. Within Denmark, he engages with universities such as the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, and Aalborg University, while international ties extend to Norway and European consortia on CO₂ storage.
He emphasises the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation: “These are mega projects. We need geoscientists, engineers, business developers, even lawyers and insurance experts. Only by combining knowledge can we minimise risks and ensure practical solutions.”
Supporting the energy transition
Armin contributes directly to DTU Offshore's mission by tackling two critical aspects of the green transition: mitigating past emissions by designing safe storage solutions to reduce atmospheric CO₂. Secondly, enabling renewable energy by investigating underground hydrogen storage to secure the energy supply when wind or solar production fluctuates.
He also underlines the importance of public engagement: “Some people see CCS as just another scheme by oil and gas companies. We need to be clear, transparent, and in touch with society to build trust.”
