In situ hydrogen production model was developed based on four hydrogen-forming reactions under reservoir conditions. The model was then validated and used to analyse the effect of steam and oxygen composition on the amount of hydrogen produced.

Hydrocarbons continue to play an important role in providing affordable energy to meet rising energy demand. Amidst growing concerns on the environmental impact of oil and gas production processes, many researchers are increasingly exploring environmentally sustainable methods of extracting hydrocarbons from the reservoir. The introduction of direct current into the pore space activates mechanisms that enhance fluid flow, reduces produced water, decreases associated hydrogen sulfide production, and leaves no material footprint on the environment. Previous laboratory studies and field applications have reported varying degrees of success of the EK-EOR mechanism. However, the mechanism and effectiveness of this technique remain unclear. This systematic literature review provides an opportunity to critically evaluate laboratory results, establish a basis for the effectiveness of the EK-EOR mechanism and identify possible future research directions. In this study, 52 articles were identified and reviewed in a selection process that adhered to the PRISMA protocol. Data extracted from these articles were fed into the EK-EOR model, and Monte Carlo simulation (10,000 iterations) was used to determine the success rate of the EK-EOR process. Insights obtained from the simulation indicate that EK-EOR alone is not effective (with a success rate of 45%). Insights from published laboratory experiments indicate that interstitial clay affects the electro-osmotic permeability of reservoir rocks which determines the effectiveness of the EK-EOR mechanism. Salt deposition on the cathode and generation of gases (oxygen and chlorine at the anode) are significant limitations of the EK-EOR. The review concludes by identifying future areas of application of EK-EOR.

The global emphasis on clean energy has increased interest in producing hydrogen from petroleum reservoirs through in situ combustion-based processes. While field practices have demonstrated the feasibility of co-producing hydrogen and oil, the question of which offers greater economic potential, oil, or hydrogen, remains central to ongoing discussions, especially as researchers explore ways to produce hydrogen exclusively from petroleum reservoirs. This study presents the first integrated techno-economic model comparing oil and hydrogen production under varying injection strategies, using CMG STARS for reservoir simulations and GoldSim for economic modeling. Key technical factors, including injection compositions, well configurations, reservoir heterogeneity, and formation damage (issues not addressed in previous studies), were analyzed for their impact on hydrogen yield and profitability. The results indicate that CO₂-enriched injection strategies enhance hydrogen production but are economically constrained by the high costs of CO₂ procurement and recycling. In contrast, air injection, although less efficient in hydrogen yield, provides a more cost-effective alternative. Despite the technological promise of hydrogen, oil revenue remains the dominant economic driver, with hydrogen co-production facing significant economic challenges unless supported by policy incentives or advancements in gas lifting, separation, and storage technologies. This study highlights the economic trade-offs and strategic considerations crucial for integrating hydrogen production into conventional petroleum extraction, offering valuable insights for optimizing hydrogen co-production in the context of a sustainable energy transition. Additionally, while the present work focuses on oil reservoirs, future research should extend the approach to natural gas and gas condensate reservoirs, which may offer more favorable conditions for hydrogen generation.

Liquid loading of gas wells causes production difficulty and reduces ultimate recovery from these wells. Several authors proposed different models to predict the onset of liquid loading in gas wells, but the results from the models often show discrepancies. Turner’s et al. (J Pet Technol, 1969) critical model was developed based on the assumption that the droplet is a sphere and remains spherical all through the entire wellbore. On the other hand, Li’s model was developed based on the assumption the liquid droplets are flat in shape and remains same all through the wellbore. However, it is a well-known fact that the droplet alternates between spherical and flat during production operation. Invariably, the Turner’s model and the Li’s model would not be able to predict correctly the critical rate required to lift that droplet which is because the droplet deformation was not taken into account during the development of the models.

Creating a hydrogen market in Africa is a great opportunity to assist in the promotion of sustainable energy solutions and economic growth. This article addresses the legislation and regulations that need to be developed to facilitate growth in the hydrogen market and allow local green hydrogen offtake across the continent. By reviewing current policy and strategy within particular African countries and best practices globally from key hydrogen economies, the review establishes compelling issues, challenges, and opportunities unique to Africa. The study identifies the immense potential in Africa for renewable energy, and, in particular, for solar and wind, as the foundation for the production of green hydrogen. It examines how effective policy frameworks can establish a vibrant hydrogen economy by bridging infrastructural gaps, cost hurdles, and regulatory barriers. The paper also addresses how local offtake contracts for green hydrogen can be used to stimulate economic diversification, energy security, and sustainable development. Policy advice is provided to assist African authorities and stakeholders in the deployment of enabling regulatory frameworks and the mobilization of funds. The paper contributes to global hydrogen energy discussions by introducing Africa as an eligible stakeholder in the emerging hydrogen economy and outlining prospects for its inclusion into regional and global energy supply chains.