Emerging Energies Permian Basin

Value-based Geospatial Assessment

The evaluation of emerging energy opportunities requires consideration of a variety of above ground and subsurface conditions. STARR researchers are assessing emerging energy and resource opportunities and their fiscal and environmental impacts in the Permian Basin of West Texas by building a geospatial framework that takes into consideration a value chain approach to inform techno-economic analysis.

STARR researchers and partners are using this geospatial framework and database to identify and analyze future development opportunities of hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, critical minerals, geothermal, and water resources needed for energy transition.

Renewable H₂ Generation Potential

Renewable energy (solar and wind) is abundant in the Permian Basin. Renewable energy can be harness to feed electrolyzers and generate H₂ in West Texas.

Hydrogen can be store in salt caverns leached in bedded salt formations that are obliquitous in Permian Basin subsurface (Castile and Salado Formations).

Permian Basin Energy Infrastructure

The Permian Basin has oil and gas processing infrastructure and facilities, refining capacity, extensive pipeline networks, cement plants, and electricity transmission lines and substations. These local industries provide potential opportunities for future low-carbon energy usage and storage.